THE POETICAL WORKS 



JOHN MILTON. 



55 A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. 




^ 



NEW YORK: : 
.Au]V[E:RICA1>Q' book EXCH^lSTG^E, 

Tribune BuiLDiNa. 

1880. 



.Z'n.M^A'i, 



rR 






SKETCH 



OF THE 



LIFE OF JOHN MILTON 



John Milton, the most distinguished of English poets, and one 
whose exertions in the cause of civil and religious liberty must ever en- 
title him to the grateful regards of his countrymen, was born in Breda 
Street, December 9, 1608, and received his early education at St. Paul's 
School. Young Milton was removed at tlie age of seventeen to Christ's 
College, Cambridge, and soou distinguished himself by the purity and 
elegance of his Latin compositions as well as for his general classical at- 
tainments. 

On leaving college he repaired to his father's residence in Bucking- 
hamshire, where he s])ent five years in the most diligent study of the 
Greek and Latin classics; and daring this interval he appears to liave 
prodrced both his toquisite " Masque of Comus," wliich is stated in the 
title to have been [performed at Ludlow Castle, in 1G34, before the Earl 
of Bridgewater, ana*some of the principal of his minor poems, of which 
we may especially notice his "Lycidas," the character of which is pas- 
toral. 

In 1638, Milton left England for the purpose of completing his educa- 
tion by foreign travel; and visited in succession Paris, Nice, Genoa, 
Pisa, Florence, Rome, and Naples. Honors from both the learned and 
the great waited upon the accomplished Englishman wherever he ap- 
peared. The state of his native country, however, worn by dissensions, 
and manifestly on the eve of a great convulsion, appealed too strongly to 
his patriotic ardor to suffer him to protract his stay abroad ; and return- 
ing by the way of Geneva, he again reached home after an absence of about 
fifteen months. He did not now resume his residence with his father. 
He probably considered that for the unsettled times which were appar- 
ently at hand the fit preparation, which it behoved every man to make, 
was the adoption of some way of earning his bread by his own indepen- 
dent exertions; and hiring a house in St. Bride's church-yard,- he opened 
a seminary for the instruction of youth in the classic languages. The 
school turning out very successful, he shortly afterwards removed to a 
house in Aldersgate Street, and in 1641 he published a treatise in favor 
of the Puritans. 

In 1643, Milton married a daughter of Mr. Powell, of Forrest Hill, 
Oxfordshire, a firm Royalist. This marriage, in its early stage, seemed 



6 LIFE or JOHN MILTON. 

very inauspicious; for, either influenced by family considerations, or 
from want of congeniality in sentiments and feelings, they had only 
been married a month when his wife deserted him, and returned to her 
friends. She made no reply to the repeated letters and remonstrances 
of her husband; which so incensed him, that he formed the resolution 
to receive her no more; and to justify this resolution, he published sev- 
eral pieces on the subject of divorce. He even proceeded so far as to 
pay his addresses to a young lady with the design of marrying her. 
Whilst this marriage was negotiating he was surprised by a visit from 
his wife, who implored pardon and reconciliation on her knees. This 
awakened his tenderest affection, and he received her with kindness to 
his bosom. 

Milton's political spirit agreeing with the republican spirit of these 
times, he strongly supported the cause of the Commonwealth and the 
destruction of kingly government by several publications on the subject. 

In 16-15 lie published a collection of Latin and English poems. Soon 
after the death of the King he was advanced by Cromwell to the station 
of Latin secretary to himself and the parlisinient; and he continued to 
hold the latter office till the restoration of Charles II. In 1649, Salina- 
sius, a professor of polite learning at Leyd€n, and a man of extraordinary 
literary attainments, produced his " Defensio Regis," to which Milton 
replied in so forcible a manner that it became difficult to det^-mine 
whose language was best. After this Milton resided for some time with 
his family'in Wliitehall; but his ill health obliged him to take lodghigs 
in the neighborhood of^. James's Park; where his wife died, leaving 
him three daaghters.f^Tliis painful occurrence was soon succeeded by 
another still more distressing — his own deprivation of siglit. In these 
melancholy circumstances he directed Jiis attention to anotlier oliject, 
and was married to the daughter of a Captain Woodcock, of Hackney. 
She died Avithin a year, froi»-the-sarme cause as tlie former wife. Milton 
has honored her memory in his eighteenth sonnet. 

On tlie King's restoration, he found it necessary to conceal himself 
till the storm against him was blown over, and the interest of his friends 
had got him included in the general amnesty. He no^v retired from the 
busy scenes of tlie world, and devoted himself to the completion of his 
grand poem. For, although his circumstances had suffered by the Res- 
toration, his independent"si)irit refused to accept any public employ- 
ment, and he lived in the greatest shnplicity in the neigliborhood of Bun- 
hill Fields, where we are told he used to sit in a gray coarse cloth coat at 
the door in the summer, to enjoy the fresh air and receive the visits of 
persons of distinguished rank and learning. 

He luid now reached his forty-seveuth year; and being free from ex- 
ternal interruptions, applied hiniself to the consideration of three works 
which had long been reserved for future exertion — an epic poem, the 
history of his country, and a dictionary of the Latin tongue. Impracti- 
cable as the labor of collecting a dictionary seems to be to a man in a 
state of blindness, sve are told that he prosecuted that design almost to 
his dying day; the compilers of tlie " Cambridge Dictionary," published 
in 1693, availed themselves of three folios he left behind. His historiciiJ 
narrative did not proceed beyond the conquest, from the diffloulty, it is 
probable, of consulting a variety of autlioriti'es witli the help of other 
eyes. For the subject of his ei)ic poem, after much deliberation, he de- 
termined upon "Paradise Lost" — a project which could only be justi- 
fied by the success that attended it. We have already seen that at the 
Restoration Milton concealed himself in Bartholomew Close, where he re- 
mained till the passin,y an act of oblivion, which secured his person and 



tilTE OP JOHN MILTOX. J 

! 

property in common with others; the reason of his being treated with s. 
such indulo^ence cannot be satisfactorily ascertained. About tliis time 
he removed to Jewin Street, and married a third wife, who contributed 
very little to liis domestic comfort— she oppressed his children in his life- 
time, and defrauded them at his death. From Jewin Street he went to 
reside in the Artillery Walk, near Bunhill Fields, which concludes the 
register of his London residences. 

While he continued to divide his time between State affairs and his 
private studies, it was hardly i^ossible for him to accomplish any literary 
undertaking of gr6at importance; but on quitting the office of Latin sec- 
retary, lie was left to the free exercise of his mental energies, which could 
not be employed upon a subject better suited to tlie extensive range they 
were accustomed to take than that lie had chosen. The "Paradise 
Lost" is said to have been written at different times, and was sold on 
the 27th of April, 1667, to Samuel Simmons, for an immediate payment 
of 5/.; witli a further agreement for the same sum when 1500 copies of 
the first edition should be disx^osed of; and again oL when ttie same 
number should be sold of the second edition; and another 5/. after a 
similar sale of the third. All the editions were limited to 1500 copies. 
The third edition was published in 1G7S, and tlie widow to whom the 
copy then devolved sold all her claims to Simmons for 8/. ; wlience it 
will appear that the sum of 28^. constituted the entire remuneration for 
a performance which, while it immortalized the name of the poet, con- 
ferred an honor equally imperishable upon the nation signalized for his 
birth. While he was thus engaged, he was materially assisted by his 
two daughters, who wrote to his dictation for manj' hours each day. 

Four years after his " Paradise Lost," he published his " Paradise 
Regained," whicli was his favorite production — a preference which has 
ever been opposed to the opinion of the public. In the last year of his 
life he printed a collection of "Familiar Epi.'^tles" in Latin: to these 
(being too few to forma volume, he added some academical exercises. 

In his last retreat, he produced liis " Samson Agonistes," a tragedy 
written on the Greek model. A life of indefatigable study, and which 
had been exposed to a variety of vicissitudes, now began to draw to a 
close. Milton had long been afflicted with the gout and other infirmi- 
ties, and he died without a struggle on tlie 10th of No\ ember, 1674, in 
the sixty-sixth year of liis age. His person was so delicate and beauti- 
ful in his youth, that at Cambridge he went by the appellation of " the 
Lady of Christ's College; " and in Italy the celebrated Giovanni Baptista 
Manso, who had conferred considerable favors on him, gives a high 
idea of his beauty in a Latin epigram wliich has been thus translated: — 

" So perfect thou in mind, in form, and face, 
Thou'rt not of English, but angelic race." 

Campbell, the poet, a critic in every shape qualified to form an accu- 
rate opinion of the merits of Milton in regard to his powers of versifica- 
tion, furnishes the following remarks on the universality of his genius:— 
" In Milton," he says, " there may be traced obligations' to several mino? 
English poets; bnt"^his genius had too great a supremacy to belong tt 
any school. Though he acknowledged a filial reverence for Spencer as 
a poet, he left no Gothic irregular tracery in the design of his own great 
work, but gave a classical harmony of parts to its stupendous pile. It 
thus resembles a dome, the vastness of which is at first sight concealed 
by its symmetry, but which expands more and more to the eye while it 
is contemplated. His early poetry seems to have neither disturbed nor 



8 LIFE OF JOHN MILTOIT. 

corrected the bad taste of his age. ' Comus ' came into the world unac- 
knowledged by its author, and ' Lycidas ' appeared at first only with his 
initials. These and other exquisite pieces, composed in the happiest 
years of his life at his father's country house atHorton, were collectively 
published with his name affixed to them, in 1645; but that precious vol- 
ume which included 'L' Allegro' and ' II Penseroso,' did not, I believe, 
come to a second edition till it was republished by himself at the dis- 
tance of twenty-eight years. Almost a century elapsed before his minor 
works obtained their proper fame. 

" Even when 'Paradise Lost' appeared, though it was not neglected, 
it attracted no crowd of imitators, and made no visible change in the 
poetical practice of the age. He stood alone and aloof, above his times, 
the bard of immortal subjects, and, as far as there is perpetuity in lan- 
guage, of immortal fame. The very choice of those subjects bespoke a 
contempt for any species of excellence that was attainable bj' other men. 
Tliere is something that overawes tlie mind in conceiving his long delib- 
erated selection of that theme, his attempting it when his eyes were shut 
upon the face of nature, his dependence, we might almost say, on super- 
natural inspiration, and in the calm air of strength with which he opens 
* Paradise Lost,' beginning a mighty performance without the appearance 
of an effort. 

"The warlike part of ' Paradise Lost ' was inseparable from its sub- 
ject. Whether it could liave been differently^ managed is a problem 
which our reverence for Milton will scarcely ])ermit us to state. I feel 
:hat reverence too strongly to suggest even the possibility that Milton 
could haye improved his poem by having thrown his angelic warfare into 
more remote perspective; but it seems to me to be most sublime when 
it is least distinctly brought liome to the imagination. What an awful 
effect has the dim and undefined conception of the conflict which we 
gather from the opening of the first book ! There the veil of mystery is 
left undrawn between us and a subject which the powers of description 
were inadequate to exhibit. The ministers of divine vengeance and pur- 
suit had been recalled — the thunders had ceased 

* To bellow through the vast and boundless deep,' 

(in that line what an image of sound and space is conveyed!) — and our 
terrific cenception of the past is deepened by its indistinctness. In optics 
there are some phenomena which are beautifully deceptive at a certain 
distance, but which lose their illusive charm on the slightest approach 
to them that changes the light and position in which they are viewed. 
Something like this takes place in the phenomena of fancy. The array 
of the fallen angels in hell, the unfurling of the standard of Satan, and 
the march of his troops 

' In perfect phalanx, the Dorian mood 
Of flutes and soft recorders.'— 

All this human pomp and circumstance of war is magic and overwhelm- 
ing illusion. The imagination is taken by surprise. But the noblest 
efforts of language are tried with very unequal effect to interest us in 
the immediate and close view of the battle itself in the sixth book; and 
the martial demons, who charmed us in the shades of hell, lose some 
portion of their sublimity when their artillery is discharged in the day- 
light of heaven. 

•• If we call diction the garb of thought, Milton in his style may b« 



LIFE OF JOHN JflLTON. 9 

Baid to wear the costume of sovereignty. The idioms even of foreign 
languages contributed to adorn it. He was the most learned of poets; 
yet his learning interferes not with his substantial English purity. His 
simplicity is unimpaired by glowing ornament, like the bush in the sacred 
flame, which burnt but ' was not consumed.' 

" In dilineating the blessed spirits, Milton has exhausted all the con- 
ceivable variety that could be given to pictures of unshaded sanctity : 
but it is chie%'in those of the fallen angels that his excellence is conspic- 
uous above everything ancient or modern. Tasso had indeed pourtrayed 
an infernal council, and had given the hint to our poet of ascribing the 
origin.jof pagan worship to thoe^e reprobate spirits. But how poor and 
squalid in comparison with th* Miltonic Panda-monium are the Syllas, 
the Cyclopses, and the Chimeras of the Infernal Council of the Jerusa- 
lem! Tasso's conclave of fiends is a den of ugly, incongruous monsters. 
The powers of Milton's hell are god-like shapes and forms. Their ap- 
pearance dwarfs every other poetical conception, when we turn our 
dilated eyes from contemjilating them. It is not their external attributes 
alone which expand the imagination, but their souls, which are as colos- 
sal as their stature — their ' thoughts that wander through eternity ' — the 
pride that burns amidst the ruins of their divine natures, and their 
genius that feels with the ardor and debates with the eloquence of 
heaven." 

But the proudest monument that has been reared to the genius of 
Milton is the "Essay" from the pen of Dr. Channing. It breathes a 
spirit of poetry nearlj- akin to that with which that great poet was him- 
self imbued, and furnishes the most masterly view of his genius that 
has yet appeared. 

In speaking of the intellectual qualities of Milton, Dr. Channing says: 
*' We may begin with observing, that the very splendour of his poetic 
fame has tended to obscure or conceal the extent of his mind, and the 
variety of its energies and attainments. To many he seems only a poet, 
when in truth he was a profound scholar, a man of vast compass of 
thought, imbued thoroughly Avith all ancient and modern learning; and 
able to master, to mould, to impregnate with his OAvn intellectual power, 
his great and various acquisitions. He had not learned the superficial 
doctrine of a later day — that poetry flourishes most in an uncultivated 
soil, and that imagination shapes its brightest visions from the mists of 
a superstitious age; and he had no dread of accumulating knowledge, 
lest it should oppress and smother his genius. He was conscious of that 
within him which could quicken all knowledge and wield it with ease 
and might; which could give frCvShness to old truths, and harmony to 
discordant thoughts; which could bind together, by living ties and mys- 
terious affinities, the most remote discoveries; and rear fabrics of glory 
and beauty from the rude materials which other minds had collected. 
Milton had that universality which marks the highest order of intellect. 
Though accustomed almost from infancy to drink at the fountains of 
classical literature, he had nothing of the pedantry and fastidiousness 
which disdain all other draughts. His healthy mind delighted in genius, 
on whatever soil, or in whatever age it burst forth and poured out its 
fulness. He understood too well the rights, and dignity, and pride of 
creative imagination, to lay on it the laws of the Greek or Roman school, 
Parnassus was not to him the only holy ground of genius. He felt that 
poetry was a universal presence. Great minds were everywhere his 
kindred. He felt the enchantment of Oriental fiction, surrendered 
himself to the strange creations of ' Araby the Blest,' and delighted still 
more in the romantic spirit of chivalry, and in the tales of wonder in 



10 LIFE OF JOHN MILTON. 

which it was embodied. Accordingly his poetry reminds us of the ocean, 
which adds to its own boundlessness contributions from all regions un- 
der heaven. Nor was it only in the department of imagination that his 
acquisitions were vast. He travelled over the whole field of knowl- 
edge as far as it had then been explored. His various philological at- 
tainments were used to put him in possession of the wisdom stored in all 
countries '\\ here the intellect had been cultivated. The natural philoso- 
])hy, metaphysics, ethics, history, theology, and political science of his 
own an_d former times, were familiar to him. Never was there a more 
unconfined mind, and we would cite Milton as a practical example of 
the benefits of that universal culture of intellect which forms one dis- 
tinction of our times, but which some ^read as unfriendly to original 
thought. Let such remember that mind is in its own nature diffusive. 
Its object is the universe, wliich is strictly one, or bound together by in- 
finite connections and correspondences; and accordingly its natural pro- 
gress is from one to another field of tliought; and wherever original 
power and creative genius exists, the mind, far from being distracted or 
opiu-essed I'y the variety of its acquisitions, will see more and more com- 
mon bearings and hidden and beautiful analogies in all the objects of 
knowledge, — will see mutual light shed from truth to truth, and will 
compel, Jis with a kingly power, whatever it understands, to yield some 
tribute of proof, or illustration, or splendour, to whatever topic it should 
unfold. 

" Milton's fame rests chiefly on his poetry, and to this we naturally 
give our first attention. By those who are accustomed to speak of poetry 
as liglit reading, Milton's eminence in this sphere may be considered only 
as giving him a high rank among the contributors to public amusement. 
Not so thought Milton. Of all God's gifts of intellect, he esteemed 
poetical genius the most transcendent. He esteemed it in himself as a 
kind of inspiration, and wrote his great works with something of the con- 
scious dignity of a prophet. We agree with Milton in his estimate of 
poetry. It seems to us the divinest of all arts; or it is the breathing or 
expression of that principle or sentiment which is the deepest and sub- 
limest in human nature; we mean of that thirst or aspiration to which 
no mind is wholly a stranger, for something purer and lovelier, some- 
thing more powerful, lofty, and thrilling, than ordinary and real life af- 
fords. No doctrine is more common among Christians than that of man's 
immortality; but it is not so generally understood that the germs or prin- 
ciples of his whole future being are now wrapped up in his soul as the 
rudiments of the future plant in the seed. As a necessary result of this 
constitution, the soul, possessed and moved by these mighty though in- 
fant energies, is perpetually stretching beyond what is present and vis- 
ible, struggling against the"^bounds of its earthly prison-house, and seek- 
iag relief and joy in imagination of unseen and ideal being. This view 
of our nature, which has never been fully developed, and which goes 
further toAvards explaining the contradictious of human life than all 
others, carries us to the very foundation and sources of poetry. He who 
cannot interpret, by his own consciousness, what we now have said, 
wants the true key to works of genius. He has not penetrated those sa- 
cred recesses of the soul, where poetry is born and nourished, and in- 
hales immortal vigor, and wings herself for her heavenward flight. In 
an intellectual nature framed for progress and for higher modes of being, 
there must be creative eneigies, powers of original and ever-growing 
thought; and poetry is the form in which these energies are chiefly man- 
ifested. It is the glorious prerogative of this art, that it ' makes all things 
new ' for the gratification of a divine instinct. It indeed finds its el©- 



LrPE OF rOHX MILTON. 11 

ments ill what it actually sees and experiences in the world of matter and 
mind, but it combines and blends these into new forms and according to 
new affinities; breaks down, if we niay so say, the distinctions and 
Dounds of nature; imparts to material objects life, and sentiment, and 
emotion, and invests tlie mind witli the powers and splendours of the out- 
ward creation; describes the surrounding universe in the colours which 
the passions throws over it, and depicts tlie mind in those modes of re- 
l>()se or agitation, , of tenderness or sublime emotion, which manifest its 
ihii'st for a more powerful and joyful existence. To a man of a literal 
9nd prosaic character, the mind may seem lawless in tliese workings; 
bat it observes higher laws than it transgresses, the laws of the immortal 
intellect; it is trying and developing its best faculties; and in the objects 
which it describes, or in the emotions which it awakens, anticipates those 
st'ites of progressive power, splendour, beauty, and happiness for which 
it was created. 

" We accordingly believe that poetry, far from injuring ."society, is 
one of tlie great instruments of its refinement and exaltatio)i. It lifts tlie 
mind above ordinary life, gives it a respite from depressing cares, and 
awakens the consciousness of its affinity with what is pure and noble. In 
its legitimate and highest efforts it has the same tendency and aim witli 
Christianity — that is, to spiritualize our nature. True, poetiy has been 
made tlie instrumen.t of vice, the pander of bad passions; but when ge- 
nius thus stoops it dims its fires, and parts with much of its power; and 
even wlien poetry is enslaved to licentiousness or misanthwpy, she can- 
not wholly forget her true vocation. Strains of pure feeling, touches of 
tenderness, images of innocent happiness, sympatliies with suffering vir- 
tue, bursts of scorn or indignation at the hollowness of the world, pas- 
sages true to our moral nature often escajie in an immoral work, and 
show us how hard it is for a gifted spirit to divorce itself wholly from 
what is good. Poetry has a natural alliance with our best affections. It 
delights in the beauty and sublimity of the outward creation and of the 
soul. It indeed pourtrays with terrible energy the excesses of the pas- 
sions; but they are passions which show a mightj^ nature, which are 
full of power, which command awe, and excite a deep though shudder- 
ing sympathy." 

We must now proceed to speak specially of " Paradise Lost," ijerhaps 
the noblest monument of human genius. " Tlie two first books, by uni- 
versal consent, stands pre-eminent in sublimity. IJell and hell's king 
have a terrible harmony, and dilate into new grandeur and awfulness 
the longer Ave contemplate them. From one element, " solid and liquid 
fire,'' the poet has framed a world of liorror and suffering, such as im- 
agination had never traversed. But fiercer flames than those which en- 
compass Satan burn in his own soul. Revenge, exasperated pride, con- 
suming wrath, ambition though fallen, yet unconquered by the thunder? 
of the Omnipotent, and grasping still at the empire of the universe, — 
these form a picture more subliuie and terrible than hell. Hell yields tt 
the spirit which it imprisons. The intensity of its fires reveals the in- 
tenser passions and more vehement will of Satan, and the rained arch- 
angel gathers into himself the sublimity of the scene which surrounds 
him. This foi-ms tlie tremer.dous interest of these wonderful books. We 
see mind triumphant over tlie most terrible powers of nature. We see 
unutterable agony subdued by energy of soul. We have not indeed in 
Satan those bursts of passion which rive the soul as well as shatter the 
outward frame of Lear, but we have a depth of passion which only an 
archangel could manifest. The all-enduring, all-defying pride of Satan, 
asBuming so majestically bell's burning throne, and coveting the dia- 



12 LTJ'E OF JOHN MILTON. 

dem, which scorches his thunder-blasted brow, is a creation requiring in 
its autlior almost the spiritual energy with which he invests the fallen 
seraph. Some have doubted whether the moral effect of such delinea- 
tions of the storms and terrible workings of the soul is good; whether 
the interest felt in a spirit so transcend en tly evil as Satan favours our 
sympathies with virtue. But our interest fastens, in this and like cases, 
on wliat is not evil. We gaze on Satan witli an awe not unmixed with 
mysterious pleasure, as on a miraculous manifestation of the power of 
mind. What chains us, as with a resistless spell, in such a character, is 
soiritual might made visible by the racTdng pains which it overpowers, 
liiere is something kindling and ennobling in the consciousness, however 
awakened, of the energy which resides in mind; and many a virtuous 
man has borrowed new strength from the force, constancy, and" daunt- 
less courage of evil agents. 

Milton's descrii)tion of Satan attests in various ways the power of his 
genius. Critics have often observed, that the great difficulty of his work 
was to reconcile the spiritual properties of his supernatural beings with 
tl)e human modes of existence, which he was obliged to ascribe to them; 
and the difficulty is too great for any genius wholly to overcome, and we 
must acknowledge that our enthusiasm is in some parts of the poem 
checked b.y a feeling of incongruity between the spiritual agent and his 
sphere and mode of agency. But we are visited witli no such chilling 
doubts and misgivings in tlie description of Satan in hell. Imagination 
has here acliieved its highest triumph, in imparting a character of reality 
and truth to its most daring creations. That world of horrors, though 
material, is yet so remote from our ordinary nature, that a spiritual be- 
ing, exiled from lieaven, finds there an appropriate home. There is, too, 
an indefiniteness in the descri})tion of Satan's person which incites without 
shocking the imagination, and aids us to combine in our conception of him 
tlie massiness of a real form with the vagueness of spiritual existence. 
To the production of this effect much depends on the first impression 
given by the poet; for this is apt to follow us through the whole work; 
and here we think Milton eminently successful. The first glimpse of 
Satan is given us in the followiiig lines, which, whilst too indefinite to pro- 
voke the scrutiny of the reason, fill the imagination of the reader with a 
form which can hardly be effaced: — 

" Thus Satan, talking to his nearest mate 
With bead up-lift above the wave, and eyes 
That sparkling blazed, his other part.'i besides 
Prone on tlie flood, extending long and large, 
Lay floating many a rood, * * * 

< Forthwith upright he rears from off the pool 
His mighty' stature ; on each hand the flames. 
Driven backward, slope their pointed spires, and roll'd 
In billows, leave i' th' midst a horrid vale." 

We have more which we should gladly say of tiie delineation of Satan, 
especially of the glimpses which are now and then given of his deep 
anguish and despair, and of the touches of better feelings which are skil- 
fully thrown into the dark picture, both suited and designed to blend 
with our admiration, dread, and abhorence, a measure of that sympathy 
and interest with which every living, thinking being ought to be re- 
garded, and without which all other feelings tend to sin and pain. But 
there is another topic which we cannot leave untouched. From hell we 
flee to paradise — a region as lovely as hell is terrible, and which to those 



LIFE or JOHN MILTON. 13 

who do not know the universality of true genius, will appear doiibly 
wonderful when considered as the creation of the same mind which had 
painted the infernal world. 

Paradise and its inhabitants are in sweet accordance, and to.2:ether form 
a scene of tranquil bliss, which calms and soothes, whilst it delights the 
imagination. Adam and Eve, just moulded bj^ the hand, and quielvcned 
by the J^reath of God, reflect in their countenances and forms, as weJl 
as minds, the ijitelligence. benignity, and happiness of their author. 
Their new existence has the fres^n'^ess and peacefulncss of the dewy 
morning. Theii' souls, nnsated and untainted, find an innocent joy in the 
youthful creation, which si)readsand smiles around them. Their mutual 
love is deep ; for it is the love of young, unworn, unexhausted hearts, 
which meet in eacli other the only human objects on whom to pour forth 
their fulness of affection ; and still it is serene, for it is the love of 
happy beings who know not suffering even by name — whose inno- 
cence excludes not only the tumults, but the thought of jealousy and 
shame — who " imparadised in one another's arms,'' scarce dream of 
futurity, so blessed is their present being. We will not say that vve envy 
our first pjirents, for we feel that there may be higher ha]ipiness than 
theirs — a happiness Avon through struggle with inward and outward foes 
—the ha])piness and power of moral victory — the happiness of disinter- 
ested sacrifices and wide-si)read love — the happiness of boundless hope, 
and of " thoughts which wander through eternity." Still there are times 
when the spirit, oppressed with pain, worn with toil, tired of tumult, sick 
at the siglit of guilt, wounded in its love, baffled in its liope, and trem- 
bling in its faith, almost longs for tlie " wings of a dove, that it might fly 
away," and take refuge amidst the " shady bowers," tlie " vernal aiis." 
the " roses without tliorns," the quiet, the beauty, the loveliness of Edeii. 
It is the contrast of this deep ])eace of paradise with the .<tornis of life 
which gives to tlie fourth and fifth books of this p<^em a charm so irre- 
sistible that not a few would sooner relinquish the two fiist books, with 
all their sublimity, than part with these. It has sometimes been said 
tliat the English language has no good pastoral poetry. We would ask 
in what age or country has the pastoral reed breathed such sweet strains 
as are borne to us on "the odoriferous wings of gentle gales" from Mil- 
ton's Paradise ? 

We should not fulfil our duty were we not to say one word on 
what has been justly celebrated the harmony of Milton's versifica- 
tion. His numbers have the prime charm of expressiveness. They vary 
with, and answer to, the depth of tenderness, or sublimity of his concep 
tions, and hold intimate alliance with the soul. Like IMichael Augelo, in 
whose hands the marble was said to be flexible, he bends our language, 
which foreiuners reju-oach with hardness, into whatever forms the sub- 
ject demands. All the treasures of sweet and solemn sounds are at his 
commnnd. Words, harsh and discordant in the writings of less gifted 
men, flow tlirough liis poetry in a full stream of harmony. This power 
over language is not to be ascribed to Milton's musical ear. It belongs 
to the soul. It is a gilt or exercise of genius, which has power to impress 
itself on whatever if tcuiches, and finds or frames in sounds, motions, and 
material forms, correspondences and harmonies with its own fervid 
thoughts and feelings. 

We close our remarks on Milton's poetry with observing, that it is 
characterized by seriousness. Great and various as are its merits, It does 
not discover all the variety of genius which we find in Shakspeare, whose 
imagination revelled equally in regions of mirth, beauty and terror — now 
invoking spectres, now sporting with fairies, and now " ascendin.^ the 



14 LIFE OF JOHN MILTON. 

highest heaven of invention.'' Milton was cast on times too solemn and 
eventful, was called to take part in transactions too perilous, and had 
too perpetual need of the presence of high tlioughts and motives to in- 
dulge himself in light and gay creations, even had liis genius been more 
flexible aud sportive. But Milton's poetry, though habitually serious, is 
always healthful and bright, and vigorous. It has no gloom. He tool< 
no pleasure in drawing dark pictures of life; for he knew by experience 
that there is a power in the soul to transmute calamity into an occasion 
and nutriment of moral power and triumphant virtue. We find nowhere 
in his writings that whining sensibility and exaggeration of morbid feel- 
ing which makes so much of modern poetry effeminating. If he is not 
gay, he is not spirit-broken. His " L' Allegro " proves that he understood 
thoroughly the bright and joyous aspects of nature; and in his " Pense- 
roso," where he was tempted to accumulate images of gloom, we learn 
that the saddest views which he took of creation are such as inspire only 
pensive musings or lofty contemplation. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK I. 

AJaiUMK.MT. 

Tiiv. Fjrst Book proposes, first iu brief, the ^yhole subject, man's dis- 
obedience, and the loss thereujwn of Paradise, AA-iierein he was placed . 
then touches the prime cause of his fall, the serpent, or rather Satan in 
^^he serpent ; who, revolting from God, and drawing to his side many 
fegions of angels, was, by the command of God, driven out of heaveii, 
with all his crew, into the great deep. Which action passed over, the 
Poem hastens into the midst of things, presenting Satan with his angels 
now falling into Hell, described here, not in the centre (for Heaven and 
Earth may be supposed as yet not made, certainly not yet accursed), but 
in a place of utter darkness, fitliest. called Chaos : Here Satan, with his 
angels, lying on the burning lake, thunderstruck and astonished, after a 
certain space recovers, as from confusion, calls up him who next in order 
and dignity lay by him ; they confer of their miserable fall; Satan 
.awakens all his legions, who lay till then iu the same manner con- 
founded. They rise, their numbers, array of battle; their chief leaders 
named according to the idols known afterwards in Canaan and the 
countries adjoining. To these Satan directs his speech, comforts them 
with hope yet of regaining Heaven, but tells them lastly of a neAv woild 
and a new kind of creature to be created according to an ancient 
prophecy, or report in Heaven ; for that angels were long before this 
visible creation, was the opinion of many ancient Fathers. To find out 
the truth of this prophecy, and what to determine thereon, he refers 
to a full council. What his associates thence attempt. Pandemonium, 
the palace of Satan, rises, suddenly built out of the deep: the infernal 
peers there sit in council. 

Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit 
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste 
Brought death into the world, and all our woe, 
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man 
Restore us, and regain the blissful seat. 
Sing, heavenly Muse, that on the secret top 
Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire 
That shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed, 
In the beginning how the heavens and earth 



16 PARADISE LOST. 

Rose out of chaos : or, if Sion hill 
Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flow'd 
Fast by the oracle of God, I thence 
Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song, 
Tliat with no middle flight intends to soar 
Above the Aonion mount, while it pursues 
Tilings un attempted yet in prose or rhyme. 
And chiefly Thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer 
Before all temples the upright heart and pure, 
Instruct me, for Thou know'st. Thou from the first 
Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread, 
Dove-like, satst brooding on the vast abyss, 
And made it pregnant : what in me is dark 
Illumine ; what is low raise and support ; 
That to the height of this great argument 
I may assert eternal Providence, 
And justify the ways of God to men. 

Say first, for Heaven hides nothing from thy view 
Nor the deep tract of Hell ; say first, what cause 
Moved our grand parents, in that happy state, 
Favoured of Heaven so highly, to fall off 
From their Creator, and transgress his will 
For one restraint, lords of the world besides? 
Who first seduced them to that foul revolt ? 
Th' infernal Serpent ; he it was, whose guile, 
Stirr'd up with envy and revenge, deceived 
The mother of mankind, what time his pride 
Had cast him out from Heaven, Avith all his Ijobt 
Of rebel angels, by whose aid aspiring 
To set himself in glory above his peers, 
He trusted to have equalled the Most High, 
If he opposed ; and, with ambitious aim 
Against the throne and monarchy of God 
Raised impious war in Heaven, and battle proud 
With vain attempt. Him the Almighty Power 
Hurled headlong flaming from the ethereal sky, 
With hideous ruin and combustion, down 
To bottomless perdition, there to dwell 
In adamantine chains and penal fire. 
Who durst defy the Omnipotent to arms 



PARADISE LOST. 17 

Nine times the space that measures day and night 

To mortal men, he with his horrid crew 

Lay vanquished, rolling in the liery gulf, 

Confounded, though immortal : but his doom 

Reserved him to more wrath ; for now the thought 

Both of lost happiness and lasting pain 

Tormenta him : round he throws his baleful eyes, 

That witnessed huge affliction and dismay 

Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate : 

At once, as far as angels' ken, he views 

The dismal situation waste and wild ; 

A dungeon horrible on all sides round 

As one great furnace flamed, yet from those flames 

No light, but rather darkness visible 

Served only to discover sights of woe. 

Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace 

And rest can never dwell, hope never comes 

Tliat comes to all ; but torture without end 

Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed 

With ever-burning sulphur unconsumed : 

Such place eternal Justice had prei)ared 

For those rebellious, here their prison ordain'd 

In utter darkness, and their portion set 

As far removed from God and light of Heaven, 

As from the centre thrice to the utmost pole. 

Oh, how unlike the place from whence they fell ! 

There the companions of his fall, o'erwhelm'd 

With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire, 

He soon discerns, and weltering by his side 

One next himself in power, and next in c^-ime. 

Long after known in Palestine, and named 

Beelzebub. To whom the Ai-ch-Enemy, 

And thence in Heaven called Satan, with bold words 

Breaking the horrid silence thus began. 

" If thou beest he ; but oh, how fallen ! how changed 
From him, who in the happy realms of light 
Clothed with transcendent brightness didst outshine 
Myriads though bright ! If he whom mutual league, 
\Jnited thoughts and counsels, equal hope 
And hazard in the glorious enterprise, 

A 



18 PARADISE LOST. 

Joined ^yithme once, now miseiy hath joined 

In equal ruin : into what pit thou seest 

From what height fallen, so much the stronger proved 

He with his thunder : and till then who knew 

The force of those dire arms ? yet not for those, 

NTor what the potent victor in his rage 

Can else inflict, do I repent or change, 

Thoug^h chans^ed in outward lustre, that iix'd niind. 

And high disdain from sense of injured merit. 

That with the miglitiest raised me to contend, 

And to the fierce contention brought along . 

Innumerable force of spirits armed. 

That durst dislike his reign, and me preferring. 

His utmost power with adverse power opposed 

In dubious battle on the plains of Heaven, 

And shook his throne. What though the field be lost r 

All is not lost ; the unconquerable will. 

And study of revenge, immortal hate. 

And courage never to submit or yield. 

And what is else not to be overcome ; 

That glory never shall his w^rath or might 

Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace 

With suppliant knee, and deify his power, 

Who from the terror of this arm so late 

Doubted his empire ; that were low indeed, 

Tliat were an ignominy and shame beneath 

This downfall ; since by fate the strength of godt* 

And this empyreal substance, cannot fail ; 

Since, through experience of this great event, 

In arms not worse, in foresight much advanced. 

We may with more successful hope resolve 

To wage by force or guile eternal war, 

Irreconcilable to our grand foe. 

Who now trium])hs, and in the excess of joy 

Sole reigning holds the tyfanny of Heaven." 

So spake the apostate angel, though in pain. 
Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair : 
And him thus answered soon his bold compeer. 

" O prince, O chief of many-throned powers, 
That led the embattled seraphim to war 



PARADISE LOST. 19 

Under tliy conduct, and in dreadful deeds 

Fearless, endanger'd heaven's perpetual King, 

And put to proof his high supremacy, 

Whether upheld by strength, or chance, or fate ; 

Too well I see and rue the dire event. 

Til at with sad overthrow and foul defeat 

Ilath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host 

In horrible destruction laid thus low, 

As far as gods and heavenly essences 

Can perish : for the mind and spirit remains 

Invincible, and vigour soon returns. 

Though all our glory extinct, and happy state 

Here swallow'd up in endless misery. 

But what if he our Conqueror (whom I now 

Of force believe almiglity, since no less 

Than such could h.ave o'erpower'd such force as ours) 

Have left us this our spirit and strength entire, 

Strongly to suffer and support our pains. 

That we may so suffice liis vengeful ire, 

Or do him mightier service as his thralls 

By right of war, whate'er his business be, 

Here in the heart of Hell to w^ork in fire, 

Or do his errands in the gloomy deep ; 

What can it then avail, thougli yet we feel 

Strength undiminished, or eternal being 

To undergo eternal punishment?" 

Whereto Avith speedy words the arch-fiend re])lied. 

" Fall'n cherub ! to be weak is miserable 
Doing or suffering : but of this be sure, 
To do aught good never Avill be our task. 
But ever to do ill our sole delight. 
As being the contrary to his high will 
W^hom we resist.. If then his providence 
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, 
Our labour must be to pervert that end. 
And out of good still to find means of evil ; 
Wliich oft-times may succeed, so as perhaps 
Shall grieve Him, if I fail not, and disturb 
His inmost counsels from their destined aim. 
But see ! the angry Victor hath recalled 



20 PARADISE LOST. 

His ministers of vengeance and pursuit 

Back to the gates of heaven : the sulphurous hail 

Shot after us in storm, o'erblown hath laid 

The fiery surge, that from the precipice 

Of heaven received us falling ; and the thunder, 

Wing'd with red lightning and impetuous rage, 

Perhaps Las spent his shafts, and ceases now 

To bellow through the vast and boundless deep. 

Let us not slip the occasion, whether scorn 

Or satiate fury yield it from our Foe. 

Seest thou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild. 

The seat of desolation, void of light. 

Save what the glimmering of these livid flames 

Casts pale and dreadful ? Thither let us tend 

From off the tossing of these fiery waves. 

There rest, if any rest can harbour there, 

And re-assembling our afflicted powers, 

Consult how w^e may henceforth most offend 

Our enemy ; our own loss how repair ; 

How overcome this dire calamity ; 

What reinforcenient we may gain from hope ; 

If not, what resolution from despair." 

Thus Satan, talking to his nearest mate. 
With head u])-]ift above tlie vv^'ive, and eyes 
That sparkling blazed ; his other parts beside? 
Prone on the flood, extended long and large. 
Lay floating many a rood : in bulk as huge 
As whom the fables name of monstrous size, 
Titanian, or eni-th-born, that warred on Jove, 
Briareos, or Typhon, whom the den 
By ancient Tarsus held, or that sea-beast 
Leviathan, which God of all his works 
Created hugest that swim the ocean stream : 
Him, haply slumbering on the Norway foam, 
The pilot of some small night-foundered skiff 
Deeming some island, oft, as seamen tell. 
With fixed anchor in his scaly rind 
Moors by his side under the lea, while night 
Livests the sea, and wished niv^rn delays : 
So stretch'd out huge in length the arch-fiend lay 



PARADISE LOST. 21 

Cliained on the burning lake, nor ever thence 

Had risen or heaved his head, but that the will 

And high permission of all-ruling Heaven ^ 

Left him at large to his own dark designs, 

That with reiterated crimes he might 

Heap on himself damnation, while he sought 

E^■il to others ; and enraged might see 

How all his malice served but to bring foith 

Infinite goodness, grace and mercy shown 

On man by him seduced ; but on himself 

Treble confusion, wrath and vengeance poured. 

Forthwith upright he rears, from off the pool, 

His mighty stature ; on each hand the flames. 

Driven backward, slope their pointing S])ires, and rolled 

In billows, leave i' the midst a horrid vale. 

Then with exj^anded wings he steers his flight 

Aloft, incumbent on the dusky air 

Tliat felt unusual weight, till on dry land 

He lights, if it were land that ever burned 

With solid, as the lake with liquid fire; 

And such a]>i)ear'd in hue, as when the force 

Of subterranean wind trans]^orts a hill 

Torn from Pelorus, or ihe shattered side 

Of thundering iEtna, whose combustible 

And fuel'd entrails thence conceiving fire, 

Sublimed with mineral fury, aid the winds, 

And leave a singed bottom, all involved 

With stench and smoke : such resting found the sole 

Of unblest feet. Him followed his next mate, 

Both glorying to have 'scaped the Stygian flood 

As gods, and by their own recovered strength. 

Not by the sufferance of supernal Power. 

" Is this the region, this the soil, the clime,'' 
Said then the lost archangel, " this the seat 
That we must change for Heaven, this mournful gloom 
For that celestial light ? Be it so, since he, 
Wio now is Sovran, can dispose and bid 
What shall be right: fnrthest from him is best, 
Whom reason hath equalled, force hath made supreme 
Above his equals. Farewell happy fields 



22 PARADISE LOST. 

Where joy for ever dwells ! Hail horrors ! hail 
Infernal world, and thou, profoundest Hell, 
Receive thy new possessor! one who brings 
A mind not to be changed by place or time : 
The mind is its own place, and in itself 
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven , 
What matter where, if I be still the same. 
And what I should be, all but less than he 
Whom thunder hath made greater ? Here at least 
We shall be free ; the Almighty hath not buiH 
Here for his envy, will not drive us hence : 
Here we may reign secure, and, in my choice, 
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell : 
Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. 
But wherefore let we then our faithful friends, 
The associates and copartners of our loss. 
Lie thus astonished on the oblivious pool. 
And call them liot to share with us their pari 
In this unhappy mansion, or once more. 
With rallied arms, to try what may be yet 
Regained in Heaven, or what more lost in Hell?" 

So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub 
Thus answer'd. " Leader of those armies bright. 
Which but the Omnipotent none could have foiled, 
If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge 
Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft 
In worse extremes, and on the perilous edge 
Of battle when it raged, in all assaults 
Their surest signal, they will soon resume 
New courage and revive, though now they li^ 
Grovelling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, 
As we erewhile, astounded and amazed: 
No wonder, fallen such a pernicious height." 

He scarce had ceased when the superior fiend 
Was moving toward the shore ; his })onderous shield, 
Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round. 
Behind him cast; the broad circumference 
Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb 
Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views 
At evening from the top of Fesole, 



PARADISE LOST. 23 

Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, 

Rivers, or mountains in her spotty globe. 

His spear, to equal which the tallest pine 

Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast 

On some great animiral, were but a wand, 

He walk'd with, to support uneasy steps 

Over the burning marl, not like those steps 

On heaven's azure, and the torrid clime 

Smote on him sore besides, vaulted with fire, 

Nathless he so endured, till on the beach 

Of that inflamed sea he stood^ and call'd 

His legions, angel forms, who lay entranced 

Thick as autumnal leaves that strew the brooks 

In Vallombrosa, where the Etrurian shades 

High over-arched imbower ; or scattered sedge 

Afloat, when with fierce winds Orion armed 

Hath vexed the Red Sea coast, whose waves o'erlhrew 

Busiris and his Memphian chivalry, | 

While with perfidious hatred they pursued 

The sojourners of Goshen, who beheld 

From the safe shore their floating carcasses 

And broken chariot wheels : so thick bestrewn, 

Abject and lost, lay these, covering the flood, 

Under amazement of then- hideous change. 

He called so loud, that all the hollow deep 

Of Hell resounded. " Princes, potentates, 

Warriors, the flower of Heaven, once yours, now lost, 

If such astonishment as this can seize 

Eternal spirits ; or have ye chosen this place 

After the toil of battle to repose 

Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find 

To slumber here, as in the vales of Heaven ? 

Or in this abject posture have ye sworn 

To adore the Conqueror ? who now beholds 

Cherub and seraph rolling in the flood 

With scatter'd arms and ensigns ; till anon 

His swift pursuers from Heaven gates discern 

The advantage, and descending tread us down 

Thus drooping, or with linked thunderbolts 

Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf. 



24 PARADISE LOST. 

Awake, arise, or be for ever fallen ! " 

They heard, and were abasb'd, and up they sprung 
Upon the wing, as when rnen, wont to watch 
On duty, sleeping found by whom they dread, 
Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake. 
Nor did they not perceive the evil plight 
In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel ; 
Yet to their general's voice they soon obeyed, 
Innumerable. As when the potent rod 
Of Amram's son, in Egypt's evil day. 
Waved round the coast, up called a pitchy cloud 
Of locusts, warping on the eastern wind. 
That o'er the realm of impious Pharaoh hung 
Like night, and darkened all the land of Nile : 
So numberless were those bad angels seen 
Hovering on wing under the cope of Hell 
'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires ; 
Till, at a signal given, the uplifted spear 
Of their great sultan waving to direct 
Their course, in even balance down they light 
On the firm brimstone, and fill all the plain ; 
A multitude, like which the populous North 
Poured never from her frozen loins, to pass 
Rhene or the Danaw, when her barbarous sons 
Came like a deluge on the south, and spread 
Beneath Gibraltar to the Lybian sands. 
Forthwith from every squadron and each band 
The heads and leaders thither haste where stood 
Their great commander; godlike shapes and forme 
Excelling human, princely dignities, 
And powers that erst in Heaven sat on thrones, 
Though of their names in heavenly records now 
Be no memorial, blotted out and rased 
By their rebellion from the book of life. 
Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve 
Got them new names ; till, wandering o'er the earth, 
Through God's high sufferance, for the trial of man, 
By falsities and lies the greater part 
Of mankind they corrupted to forsake 
God their Creator, and the invisible 



PAEADISE LOST. 26 

Glory of Him that made them to transform 

Oft to the image of a brute, adorned 

With gay religions full of pomp and gold, 

And devils to adore for deities. 

Then were they known to men by various names, 

And various idols through the heathen world. 

Say, Muse, their names then known, who first, who 
last, 
Roused from the slumber, on that fiery couch, 
At their great emperor's call, as next in worth 
Came singly where he stood on the bare strand, 
While the promiscuous crowd stood yet aloof. 
The chief were those who from the pit of Hell, 
Roaming to seek their prey on earth, durst fix 
Their seats long after next the seat of God, 
Their altars by his altar, gods adored 
Amo'ng the nations round, and durst abide 
Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned 
Between the cherubim ; yea, often placed 
Within his sanctuary itself their shrines. 
Abominations ; and with cursed things 
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. 
And with their darkness durst affront his light. 
First Moloch, horrid king besmeared with blood 
Of human sacrifice, and parents' tears. 
Though for the noise of drums and timbrels loud 
Their children's cries unheard, that ])assed through fire 
To his grim idol. Him the Ammonite 
Worshipped in Rabba and her watery plain. 
In Argob and in Basan, to the stream 
Of utmost Arnon. Nor content witli such 
Audacious neighbourhood, the wisest heart 
Of Solomon he led by fraud to build 
His temple right against Ijie temple of God 
On that opprobrious liill, and made his grove 
The pleasant vale of Hinnom, Tophet thence 
And black Gehenna called, the type of Hell. 
Next Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab's sons 
From Aroar to Nebo, and the wild 
Of southmost Abarim ; in Hesebon 



26 PARADISE LOST. 

And Horonaim, Seon's realm, beyond 

The flowery dale of Sibraa clad with vines^ 

And Eleale to the asphaltic pool. 

Peor his other name, when he enticed 

Israel in Sittim on their march from Nile 

To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe. 

Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged 

Even to that hill of scandal, by tlie grove 

Of Moloch homicide, lust hard by hate ; 

Till good Josiah drove them thence to Hell. 

With these came they, who from the bordering flood 

Of old Euphrates to the brook that parts 

Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names 

Of Baalim and Ashtaroth, those male, 

These feminine. For spirits when they please 

Can either sex assume, or both ; so soft 

And uncomj")ounded is their essence pure. 

Not tied or manacled w^ith joint or limb. 

Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones, 

Like cumbrous flesh ; but in what shape they choose, 

Dilated or condensed, bright or obscure, 

Can execute their airy purposes, 

And works of love or enmity fulfll. 

For those the race of Israel oft forsook 

Their living Strength, and unfrequented left 

His righteous altar, bowing lowly down 

To bestial gods ; for which their heads as low 

Bowed down in battle, sunk before the spear 

Of despicable foes. With these in troop 

Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians called 

Astarte, Queen of Heaven, with crescent liorns ; 

To whose bright image nightly by the moon 

Sidonian virgins paid their vows and songs. 

In Sion also not unsung, whei'e stood 

Her temple on the offensive mountain, built 

By that uxorious king, whose beart, though large, 

Beguiled by fair idolatresses, fell 

To idols foul. Thammuz came next beliind, 

Whose annual wound in Lebanon allured 

The Syrian damsels to Inment his fate 



PARADISE LOST. 27 

In amorous ditties all a summer's clay, 

While smooth Adonis from his native rock 

Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood 

Of Thammuz yearly wounded : the love-tale 

Infected Sion's daughters with like heat, 

Whose wanton passions in the sacred porch 

Ezekiel saw, when by tlie vision led 

His eye surveyed the dark idolatries 

Of alienated Judah. Next came one 

Who mourned in earnest, when the captive ark 

Maimed his brute imagejiead and hands lopp'd of! 

In his own temple, on the grunsel edge. 

Where he fell flat, and shamed his worshippers ; 

Dagon his name, sea-monster, upward man 

And downward fish : yet had his temple high 

Reared in Azotus, dreaded through the coast 

Of Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon, 

And Accaron and Gaza's frontier bounds. "* 

Him followed Rimmon, whose delightful seat 

Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks 

Of Abbana and Pharphar, lucid streams. 

He also 'gainst the house of God was bold : 

A leper once he lost, and gained a king ; 

Ahaz his sottish conqueror, whom he drew 

God's altar to disparage and displace, 

For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn 

His odious offerings, and adore the gods 

Whom he had vanquished. After these appeared 

A crew who, under names of old renown, 

Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train, 

With monstrous shapes and sorceries abused 

Fanatic Egypt and her priests, to seek 

Their wandering gods disguised in brutish forms 

Rather than human. Nor did Israel 'scape 

The infection, when their borrowed gold compo>fed 

The calf in Oreb ; and the rebel king 

Doubled that sin in Bethel and in Dan, 

Likening his Makei to the grazed ox ; 

Jehovah, who in one night, when he pass'd 

From Egypt marching, equalled with one stroke^ 



28 PARADISE LOST. 

Both her first-born and all her bleating gods. 
Belial came last, than whom a spirit more lewd 
Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love 
Vice for itself : to him no t.eniple stood 
Or altar smoked : yet who more oft than he 
In temples and at altars, Avhen the priest 
Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, who filled 
With lust and violence the house of God ? 
In courts and palaces he also reigns. 
And in luxurious cities, where the noise 
Of riot ascends above their loftiest tow^ers, 
And injury and outrage : and when night 
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons 
Of Belial, flown with insolence and w^ine. 
Witness the streets of Sodom, and that night 
In Gibeah, when the hospital door 
Exposed a matron, to avoid worse rape. ^ 
These were the prime in order and in might ; 
The rest were long to tell, though far renowned, 
The Ionian gods, of Javan's issue ; held 
Gods, yet confessed later than Heaven and Earth, 
Their boasted parents ; Titan, heaven's first-born. 
With his enormous brood, and birthright seized 
By younger Saturn ; he from mightier Jove, 
His own and Rhea's son, like measure found ; 
So Jove usurping reign'd ; these first in Crete 
And Ida known, thence on the snowy top 
Of cold Olympus ruled the middle air. 
Their highest Heaven ; or on the Delphian cliff, 
Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds 
Of Doric land ; or who with Saturn old 
Fled over Adria to the Hesperian fields. 
And o'er the Celtic roamed the utmost isles. 

All these and more came flocking; but with looks 
Downcast and damp, yet such wherein appeared 
Obscure some glimpse of joy, to have found their chief 
Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost 
In loss itself : which on his countenance cast 
Like doubtful hue ; but he his wonted pride 
Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore 



FARADISE LOST. 

Semblance of worth not substance, gently raised 
Their fainting courage, and dispelled their fears. 
Then straight commands that at the warlike sounc 
Of trumpets loud and clarions be upreared 
His mighty standard ; that proud honour claimed 
Azazel as his right, a cherub tall, 
Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurl'd 
The imperial ensign ; which, full high advanced. 
Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind, 
With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed. 
Seraphic arms and trophies; all the while 
Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds : 
At which the universal host up sent 
A shout, that tore Hell's concave, and beyond 
Frio-hted the reio;n of Chaos and old Nio'ht. 
All in a moment through the gloom were seen 
Ten thousand banners rise into the air 
With orient colours waving ; with them rose 
A forest huge of spears, and thronging helms 
Appeared, and serried shields in thick array 
Of depth immeasurable ; anon they move 
In perfect phalanx to the Dorian mood 
Of flutes and soft recorders ; such as raised 
To height of noblest temper heroes old 
Arming to battle, and instead of rage 
Deliberate valour breathed, firm and unmoved 
With dread of death to flight or foul retreat ; 
Nor wanting power to mitigate and 'suage 
With solemn touches troubled thoughts, and chase 
Anguish aud doubt, and fear, and sorrow, and pait 
From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they, 
•Breathing united force, with fixed thought, 
Mov'd on in silence to soft jnpes, that charmed 
Their painful steps o'er the burnt soil ; and now 
Advanced in view they stand, a horrid front 
Of dreadful length and dazzling arms, in guise 
Of warriors old with ordered spear and shield, 
Awaiting what command their mighty chief 
Had to impose. He through the armed files 
Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse 



29 



30 PARADISE LOST. . 

The whole battalion views, their order due, 
Their visages and stature as of gods ; 
Their nuniber last he sums. And now his heart 
Distends with pride, and hardening in his strengti 
Glories ; for never since created man. 
Met such embodied force, as, named with these, 
Could merit more than that small infantry 
Warred on by cranes ; though all the giant brood 
Of Phlegra with the heroic race were joined 
That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side 
~ Mixed with auxiliar gods ; and what resounds 
In fable or romance of Uther's son 
Begirt with British and Armoric knights, 
And all who since, baptized or infidel. 
Jousted in Aspramont or Montaiban, 
Damasco, or Morocco, or Trebisond, 
Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore, 
When Charlemain with all his peerage fell 
By Fontarabia. Thus far these beyond 
Compare of mortal prowess, yet observed 
Their dread commander ; he, above the rest 
In shape and gesture proudly eminent 
Stood like a tower ; his form had yet not lost 
All its original brightness, nor appeared 
Less than archangel ruined, and the excess' 
Of glory obscured ; as when the sun new risen 
Looks through the horizontal misty air. 
Shorn of his beams, or from behind the moon. 
In dim eclipse disastrous twilight sheds 
On half the nations, and with fear of change 
Perplexes monarchs. Darkened so, yet shone 
Above them all the archangel ; but his face 
Deep scars of thunder had entrenched, and car . 
Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows 
Of dauntless courage, and considerate pride 
Waiting.revenge ; cruel his eyes, but cast 
Signs of remorse and passion to behold 
The fellows of his crime, the followers rather 
(Far other once beheld in bliss) condemned 
For ever now to have their lot in pain, 



fARADISE LOST. dl 

Millions of spirits for his fault amerced 
Of Heaven, and from eternal splendour? flung 
For liis revolt , yet faithful how they stood, 
Their glory wither'd : as v/hen Heaven's lire 
Hath scathed the forest oaks, or mountnin pines, 
With singed top their stately growth, though ban 
Stands on the blasted heath. He now prepared 
To speak ; whereat their doubled ranks they bend 
From wing to wing, and half enclose him round 
With all his peers : attention held them mute. 
Thrice he essayed, and thrice, in spite of scorn, 
Tears, such as angels Aveep, burst forth : at last 
Words interwove with sighs found out their wa\ 

" O myriads of immortal spirits! O ])Owei-s 
Matchless but with th(3 Almighty; and that striff 
Was not inglorious, though the event was dire, 
As this place testifies, and this dire change, 
Hateful to utter : but what power of mind 
Foreseeing or presaging, from the depth 
Of knowledge past or present, could have feni-ed, 
How such united force of gods, how such 
As stood like these, could ever know repulse '? 
For who can yet believe, thougli after loss, 
That all these puissant legions, whose exile 
Hath emptied Heaven, shall fail to reascend 
Self-raised, and repossess their native seat ? 
For me, be witness all the host of Heaven, 
If counsels different, or dangers shunned 
Sy me, have lost our hopes. But He who reigrig 
Monarch in Heaven, till then as one secure 
Sat on his throne, upheld by old repute. 
Consent or custom, and his regal state 
Put forth at full, but still his strength concealed, 
Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fail 
Henceforth his might we know, and know our own 
So as not either to provoke, or dread 
New war, provoked ; our better part remains 
To work in close design, by fraud or guile. 
What for<,^^ affected not : that he no less 
At len^h from us may find, who overcomes 



52 PARADISE LOST. 

By force, hath overcome but half his foe. 
Space may produce new worlds ; whereof to rise 
There went a fame in Heaven that he ere long 
Intended to create, and therein plant 
A generation, whom his choice regard 
Should favor equal to the sons of Heaven : 
Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps 
Our first eruption : thither or elsewhere ; 
For this infernal pit shall never hold 
Celestial spirits in bondage, nor the abyss 
Long under darkness cover. But these thouglits 
Full counsel must mature ; peace is despaired, 
For who can think submission ? War, then, war, 
Open or understood, must be resolved." 

He spake ; and to confirm his words, outfiew 
Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the tliighg 
Of niohty cherubim ; the sudden blaze 
¥ixi round illumined Hell ; highly they raged 
Against the highest, and fierce with grasped anus 
Clashed on their sounding shields the din of war, 
Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heaven. 

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top 
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire 
Shone with a glossy scurf, undoubted sign 
That in his womb was hid metallic ore, 
The work of sulphur. Thither, winged with speed, 
A numerous brigade hastened : as when bands 
Of pioneers with spade and pickaxe armed 
Forerun the royal camp, to trench a field. 
Or cast a rampart. Mammon led them on. 
Mammon, the least erected spirit that fell 
From Heaven, or even in Heaven his looks and thouglit* 
Were always downward bent, admiring more 
The riches of Heaven's pavement, trodden gold, 
Than aught, divine or holy, else enjoyed 
[n vision beatific : by him first 
Men also, and by his suggestion taught, 
'; msacked the centre, and with impious hands 
}^ fled the bowels of their mother earth 
l-^r treasures better hid. Soon had his crew 



riEADISB LOST. 33 

Opened into the hill a spacious wound, 
And digged out ribs of gold. Let none idmire 
That riches grow in Hell ; that soil may best 
Deserve the precious bane. And here let those, 
Who boast in mortal things, and wondering tell 
Of Babel and the works of Memphian kings, 
Learn how their greatest qionuments of fame 
And strength and art are easily outdone 
By spirits reprobate, and in an hour 
What in an age they with incessant toil 
And hands innumerable scarce perform. 
Nigh on the plain in many cells prepared, 
That underneath had veins of liquid fire 
Sluiced from the lake, a second multitude 
With wondrous art founded the massy ore, 
Severing each kind, and scummed the bullion drosB : 
A third as soon had formed within the ground 
A various mould, and from the boiling cells 
By strange couA^eyance filled each hollow nook, 
As in an organ from one blast of wind 
Tr rnany a row of pipes the sound-board breathes. 
Anon out of the earth a fabric huge 
Rose like an exhalation, with the sound 
Of dulcet symphonies and voices sweet. 
Built like a temple, where pilasters round 
Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid 
With golden architrave ; nor did there want 
Cornice or frieze, with bossy sculptures graven ; 
The roof was fretted gold. Not Babylon, 
Nor great Alcairo such magnificence 
Equalled in all their glories, to inshrine 
Belus or Serapis their gods, or seat 
Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove 
In wealth and luxury. The ascending pile 
Stood fixed her stately height, and straight the doore 
Opening their brazen folds discover wide 
Within, her ample spaces, o'er the smooth 
And level pavement : from the arched roof, 
Pendent by subtle magic many a row 
Of starry lamps and blazing cressets fed 

3 



84 PARADISE LOST. 

With naphtha and asphaltus yielded light 

As from a sky. The hasty multitude 

Admiring entered ; and the work some praise, 

And some the architect: his hand was known 

In heaven by many a towered structure high, 

Where sceptred angels held their residence, 

And sat as princes, whom the Supreme King 

Exalted to such power, and gave to rule, 

Each in his hierarchy, the orders bright. 

Nor was his name unheard or unadored 

In ancient Greece ; and in Ausonian land 

Men called him Mulciber ; and how he fell 

From Heaven, they fabled, thrown by angry Jove 

Sheer o'er the crystal battlements ; from morn 

To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 

A summer's day ; and with the setting sun 

Dropped from the zenith like a falling star, 

On Lemnos the ^gean isle ; thus they relate. 

Erring ; for he with this rebellious rout 

Fell long before ; nor aught availed him now 

To have built in Heaven high towers ; nor did he 'scajx 

By all his engines, but was headlong sent 

With his industrious crew to build in Hell. 

Meanwhile the winged heralds by command 
Of sovereign power, with awful ceremony 
And trumpet's sound throughout the host proclaim 
A solemn council forthwith to be held 
At Pandemonium, the high capital 
Of Satan and his peers : their summons called 
From every band and squared regiment 
By place or choice the worthiest ; they anon 
With hundreds and with thousands trooping came 
Attended : all excess was thronged ; the gates 
And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall 
(Though like a covered field, where champions bold 
Wont ride in armed, and at the Soldan's chair 
Defied the best of Panim chivalry 
To mortal combat, or career with lance), 
Thick swarm'd, both on the ground and in the air 
Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees 



PARADISE LOST. 35 

In spring time, when the sun with Taurus rides, 

Pour forth their populous youth about the hive 

In clusters ; they among fresh dews and flowers 

Fly to and fro, or on the smoothed plank. 

The suburb of their straw-built citadel, 

New rubbed with balm, expatiate and confer 

Their state affairs. So thick the airy crowd 

Swarm'd and were straitened ; till, the signal given, 

Behold a wonder ! they but now who seemed 

In bigness to surpass earth's giant sons 

Now less than smallest dwarfs, in narrow room 

Throng numberless, like that pygmean race 

Beyond the Indian mount, or fairy elves, 

Whose midnight revels by a forest side 

Or fountain some belated peasant sees. 

Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon 

Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth 

Wheels her pale course ; they, on their mirth and dance 

Intent, with jocund music charm his ear ; 

At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds. 

Thus incorporeal spirits to smallest forms 

Reduced their shapes immense, and were at large. 

Though without number still amidst the hall 

Of that infernal court. But far within. 

And in their own dimensions like themselves, 

The great seraphic lords and cherubim 

In close recess and secret conclave sat ; 

A thousand demi gods on golden seats 

Frequent and full. After short silence then, 

And summons read, the great consult began. 



36 PAEADISE LOST. 



BOOK n. 

THE ABGTJMENT. 

The consultation begun, Satan debates whether another battle be to be 
hazarded for the recovery of Heaven : some advise it, others dissuade : a 
third proposal is preferred, mentioned before by Satan, to search the 
truth of that prophecy or tradition in Heaven concerning another world, 
and another l<ind of creature equal or not much inferior to tliemselves, 
about this time to be created : their doubt who should be sent on this 
difHcult search. Satan their chief undertakes alone the voyage, is 
honoured and applauded. The council thus ended, the rest betake them 
several ways, and to several employments, as their inclinations lead 
them, to entertain the time till Satan return. He passes on his journey 
to Hell-gates: finds thein shut, and who sat there to guard them, by 
whom at length they are opened, and discover to him tlie great gulf 
between Hell and Heaven ; with what diflBculty he passes through, 
directed by Chaos, the power of that place, to the sight of this new world 
which he sought. 

High on a throne of a royal state, which far 

Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind, 

Or where the gorgeous East, with richest hand, 

Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold, 

Satan exalted sat, by merit raised 

To that bad eminence : and from despair 

Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires 

Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue 

Vain war with heaven, and, by success untaught 

His proud imaginations thus display'd : 

" Powers and dominions, deities of heaven 
For since no deep within her gulf can hold 
Immortal vigour, though oppressed and fallen, 
I give not heaven for lost. From this descent 
Celestial virtues rising, will appear 
More glorious and more dread than from no faU, 
And trust themselves to fear no second fate. 



PAKADISE LOST. 37 

Me, though jus'j right, and the fix'd laws of Heaven, 

Did first create your leader, next, free choice, 

With what besides, in counsel or in fight, 

Hath been achieved of merit, yet this loss, 

Thus far at least recover'd, hath much more 

Establish'd in a safe unenvied throne 

Yielded with full consent. The happier state 

Id Heaven, which follows dignity, might draw 

Envy from each inferior ; but who here 

Will envy whom the highest place exposes 

Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim 

Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share 

Of endless pain ? Where there is then no good 

For which to strive, no strife can grow up there 

From faction ; for none sure will claim in Hell 

Precedence ; none, whose portion is so small 

Of present pain, that with ambitious mind 

Will covet more. With this advantage then 

To union, and firm faith, and firm accord, 

More than can be in heaven, we now return 

To claim our just inheritance of old, 

Surer to prosper than prosperity 

Could have assured us ; and, by what best way, 

Whether of open war, or covert guile. 

We now debate: who can advise, may speak." 

He ceased ; and next him Moloch, sceptred king, 
Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest spirit, 
That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despair : 
His trust was with the Eternal to be deem'd 
Equal in strength, and rather than be less 
Cared not to be at all ; with that care lost 
Went all his fear : of God, or Hell, or worse, 
He reck'd not, and these words thereafter spake. 

" My sentence is for open war : of wiles. 
More inexpert, I boast not : them let those 
Contrive who need, or when they need, not now. 
For, while they sit contriving, shall the rest. 
Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait 
The signal to ascend, sit lingering here 
Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling-plac^ 



38 PARADISE LOST. 

Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame, 

The prison of his tyranny, who reigns 

By our delay? No ! let us rather choose, 

Arm'd with Hell's flames and fury, all at once, 

O'er Heaven's high towers to force resistless way 

Turning our tortures into horrid arms 

Against the torturer ; when, to meet the noise 

Of his almighty engine he shall hear 

Infernal thunder, and for lightning see 

Black fire and horror shot with equal rage 

Among his angels ; and his throne itself, 

Mix'd with Tartarean sulphur, and strange fire, 

His own invented torments. But perhaps. 

The way seems difficult and steep to scale 

With upright wing against a higher foe. 

Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench 

Of that forgetful lake benumn not still. 

That in our proj^er motion we ascend 

Up to our native seat : descent and fall 

To us is adverse. Who but felt of late, 

When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear 

Insulting, and pursued us through the deep, 

With what compulsion and laborious flight 

We sunk thus low ? The ascent is easy then ; 

The event is fear'd: should we again provoke 

Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may find 

To our destruction ; if there be in hell 

Fear to be worse destroyed : what can be worse 

Than to dwell here, driven out from bliss, condemn'd 

In this abhorred deep to utter woe ; 

Where pain of unextinguishable fire 

Must exercise us without hope of end. 

The vassals of his anger, when the scourge 

Inexorable, and the torturing hour. 

Calls us to penance ? more destroy'd than thus, 

We should be quite abolish'd and expire. 

What fear we, then ? what doubt we to incense 

His utmost ire? which, to the height enraged, 

Will either quite consume us, and reduce 

To nothing this essential (happier far 



PAEADISE LOST. 

Than miserable to have eternal being) : 
Or, if our substance be indeed divine, 
And cannot cease to be, we are at worst 
On this side nothing ; and by proof we feel 
Our power sufficient to disturb his heaven, 
And with perpetual inroads to alarm, 
Though inaccessible, his fatal throne ; 
Which, if not victory, is yet revenge " 

He ended, frowning, and his look denounced 
Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous 
To less than gods. On the other side uprose 
Belial, in act more graceful and humane ; 
A fairer person lost not Heaven ; he seem'd 
For dignity composed, and high exploit : 
But all was false and hollow ; though his tongue 
Dropp'd manna, and could make the worst appear 
The better reason, to perplex and dash 
Maturest counsels ; for his thoughts were low ; 
To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds 
Timorous and slothful ; yet he pleased the ear, 
And with persuasive accent thus began : 

" I should be much for open war, O peers. 
As not behind in hate ; if what was urged 
Main reason to persuade immediate war. 
Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast 
Ominous conjecture on the whole success ; 
When he, who most excels in fact of arms, 
In what he counsels, and in what excels 
Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair 
And utter dissolution, as the scope 
Of all his aim, after some dire revenge. 
First, what revenge ? The towers of heaven are fiU'd 
With armed watch, that render all access 
Impregnable ; oft on the bordering deep 
Encamp their legions, or, with obscure wing 
Scout far and wide into the realm of night, 
Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way 
By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise 
With blackest insurrection, to confound 
Heaven's purest light ; yet our great enemy 



40 PARADISE LOST. 

All incorruptible would on his throne 

Sit unpolluted, and the ethereal mould, 

Incapable of stain would soon expel 

Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire 

Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope 

Is flat despair ; we must exasperate 

The Almighty Victor to spend all His rage, 

And that must end us ; that must be our cure, 

To be no more. Sad cure ! for who would lose, 

Though full of pain, this intellectual being, 

Those thoughts that wander through eternity, 

To perish rather, swallow'd up and lost 

In the wide womb of uncreated night. 

Devoid of sense and motion ? And who knows, 

Let this be good, whether our angry foe 

Can give it, or will ever ? how he can, 

Is doubtful : that he never will, is sure. 

Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire, 

Belike through impotence, or unaware, 

To give his enemies their wish, and end 

Them in his anger, whom his anger saves 

To punish endless ? Wherefore cease we then? 

Say they who counsel war : we are decreed. 

Reserved, and destined to eternal woe ; 

Whatever doing, what can we suffer more, 

What can we suffer worse ? Is this then worst, 

Thus fitting, thus consulting, thus in arms ? 

What when we fled amain, pursued and struck 

With Heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought 

The deep to shelter us ? This Hell then seem'd 

A refuge from those wounds : or when we lay 

Chain'd on the burning lake ? That sure was worBOi 

What if the breath that kindled those grim fires. 

Awaked should blow them into sevenfold rage. 

And plunge us in the flames? or, from above, 

Should intermitted vengeance arm again 

His red right hand to plague us ? what if all 

Her stores were open'd, and this firmament 

Of Hell should spout lier cataracts of fire, 

Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall 



PARADISE LOST. 41 

One day upon our heads ; while we, perhaps, 

Designing or exhorting glorious war, 

Caught in a fiery tempest, shall be hnrl'd 

Each on his rock transfix'd, the sport and prey 

Of racking whirlwinds : or for ever sunk 

Under yon boiling ocean, wrapp'd in chains ; 

There to converse with everlasting groans, 

Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved. 

Ages of hopeless end ? this would be worse. 

War, therefore, open or concealed alike 

My voice dissuades ; for what can force or guile 

With hira, or who deceive his mind, whose eye 

Views all things at one view ? He from Heaven's height 

All these our motions vain sees and derides ; 

Not more almighty to resist our might 

Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles. 

Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heaven 

Thus trampled, thus expelled to suffer here 

Chains and these torments? Better these than worse 

By my advice ; since fate inevitable 

Subdues us, and omnipotent decree. 

The Victor's will. To suffer, as to do, 

Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust 

That so ordains : this was at first resolved 

If we were wise, against so great a foe 

Contending, and so doubtful what might fall. 

I laugh, when those who at the spear are bold 

And venturous, if that fail them, shrink and fear 

What yet they know must follow, to endure 

Exile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain, 

The sentence of their conqueror ; this is now 

Our doom ; which if we can sustain and bear, 

Our supreme foe in time may much remit 

His anger ; and perhaps thus far removed 

Not mind us not offending, satisfied 

With what is punished ; whence these raging fireg 

Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames. 

Our purer essence then will overcome 

Their noxious vapour ; or inured not feel ; 

Or, changed at length and to the place conform'd 



42 PAEADISE LOST. 

In temper and in nature, will receive 

Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain ; 

This horror will grow mild, this darkness light;. 

Besides what hope t?ie never-ending flight 

Of future days may bring, what chance, what change 

Worth waiting, since our present lot appears 

For happv though but ill, for ill not worst, 

If we procure not to ourselves more woe."./ 

Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb, 
Counseled ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth, 
Not peace : And after him thus Mammon spake. 

" Either to disenthrone the King of Heaven 
We war, if war be best, or to regain 
Our own right lost : him to unthrone we then 
May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield 
To fickle Chance, and Chaos jivlge the strife : 
The former vain to hope argues as vain 
The latter : for what place can be for us 
Within Heaven's bound, unless Heaven's Lord supreme 
We overpower ? Suppose he should relent, 
And publish grace to all on promise made 
Of new subjection ; with what eyes could we 
Stand in his presence humble, and receive 
Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne 
With warbled hymns, and to his Godhead sing 
Forced hallelujahs ; while he lordly sits 
Our envied sovereign, and his altar breathes 
Ambrosial odours and ambrosial flowers, 
Our servile offerings ? This must be our task 
In Heaven, this our delight ; how wearisome 
Eternity so spent in worship paid 
To whom we hate ! j Let us not then pursue 
_By force impossible, by leave obtained 
Unacceptable, though in Heaven, our state 
Of splendid vassalage ; but rather seek 
Our own good from ourselves, and from our own 
Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess. 
Free, and to none accountable, preferring 
Hard liberty before the easy yoke 
Of servile p'^mp. Our greatness will appear 



PAEADISE LOST. 43 

Then most conspicuous, when great things of small, 
Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse 
We can create ; and in what place soe'er 
Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain 
Through labour and endurance. This deep world 
Of darkness do we dread ? How oft amidst 
Thick clouds and dark doth heaven's all-ruling Sire 
Choose to reside, his glory unobscured. 
And with the majesty of darkness round 
Covers his throne ; from whence deep thunders roar 
Mustering their rage, and Heaven resembles Hell ? 
As he our darkness, cannot we his light 
Imitate when we please ? This desert soil 
Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold ; 
Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise 
Magnificence ; and what can heaven show more ? 
Our torments also may in length of time 
Become our elements ; these piercing fires 
As soft as now severe, our temper changed 
Into their temper ; which must needs remove 
The sensible of pain. All things invite 
To peaceful counsels, and the settled state 
Of order, how in safety best we may 
Compose our present evils, with regard 
Of what we are, and where, dismissing quite 
All thoughts of war. Ye have what I advise." » 
He scarce had finish'd, when such murmur fill'd I 
The assembly, as when hollow rocks retain I 

The sound of blustering winds, which all night long 
Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull i 
Seafaring men o'erwatch'd, whose bark by chance 
Or pinnace anchors in a craggy bay \ 

After the tempest : such applause was heard 
As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased, 
Advising peace ; for such another field 
They dreaded worse than Hell : so much the fear 
Of thunder and the sword of Michael 
Wrought still within them ; and no less desire 
To found this nether empire, which might rise 
By policy, and long process of time, 



44 PARADISE LOST. 

In emulation opposite to Heaven. 

Which when Beelzebub perceived, than whom 

Satan except, none higher sat, with grave 

Aspect he rose, and in his rising seeni'd 

A pillar of state ; deep on his front engraveai 

Deliberation sat, and public care ; 

And princely counsel in his face yet shone, 

Majestic, though in ruin ; sage he stood 

With Atlantean shoulders fit to bear 

The weight of mightiest monarchies ; his lodk 

Drew audience and attention still as night 

Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spake : 

" Thrones, and imperial powers, offspring of Heaven, 
Ethereal virtues ! or these titles now 
Must we renounce, and, changing style, be called 
Princes of hell ? for so the popular vote 
Inclines, here to continue, and build up here 
A growing empire ; doubtless ; while we dream, 
And know not that the King of Heaven hath doomed 
This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat 
Beyond his potent arm, to live exempt 
From Heaven's high jurisdiction, in new league 
Banded against his throne, but to remain 
In strictest bondage, though thus far removed 
Under the inevitable curb, reserved 
His captive multitude ; for he, be sure, 
In height or depth, still first and last will reign 
Sole king, and of his kingdom lose no part 
By our revolt ; but over Hell extend 
His empire, and with iron sceptre rule 
Us here, as with his golden those in Heaven. 
What sit we then projecting peace and war ? 
War hath determined us, and foiled with loss 
Irreparable ; terms of peace yet none 
Vouchsafed or sought ; for what peace will be given 
To us enslaved, but custody severe. 
And stripes, and arbitrary punishment 
Inflicted ? and what peace can we return, 
But to our power hostility and hate. 
Untamed reluctance, and revenge though slow, 



PAEADISB LOST. 

Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least 

May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice 

In doing what we most in suffering feel ? 

Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need 

With dangerous expedition to invade 

Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege, 

Or ambush from the deep. What if we find 

Some easier enterprise ? There is a place 

(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heaven 

Err not), another world, the happy seat 

Of some new race, call'd Man, about this time 

To be created like to us, though less 

In power and excellence, but favour'd more 

Of him who rules above ; so was his will 

Pronounced among the gods, and by an oath, 

That shook Heaven's whole circumference, confirm d. 

Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn 

What creatures there inhabit, of what mould 

Or substance, how endued, and what their power, 

And where their weakness, how attempted best. 

By force or subtlety. Though Heaven be shut. 

And Heaven's high arbitrator sit secure 

In his own strength, this place may lie exposed, 

The utmost border of his kingdom, left 

To their defence who hold it : here, perhaps, 

Some advantageous act may be achieved 

By sudden onset, either with Hell-fire 

To waste his whole creation, or possess 

All as our own, and drive, as we were driven. 

The puny habitants ; or if not drive. 

Seduce them to our party, that their God 

May prove their foe, and with repenting hand 

Abolish his own w^rks. This would surpass 

Common revenge, and interrupt his joy 

In our confusion, and our joy upraise 

In his disturbance ; when his darling sons, 

Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse 

Their frail original, and faded bliss, 

Faded so soon. Advise, if this be worth 

Attempting, or to sit in darkness here 



45 



46 PARADISE LOST. 

Hatching vain empires." Thus Beelzebub 
Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devised 
By Satan, and in part proposed ; for whence, 
But from the author of all ill, could spring 
So deep a malice to confound the race 
Of mankind in one root, and earth with Hell 
To mingle and involve, done all to spite 
The great Creator ? But their spite still serves 
His glory to augment. The bold design 
Pleased highly those infernal states, and joy 
Sparkled in all their eyes ; with full assent 
They vote : whereat his speech he thus renews. 

" Well have ye judged, well ended long debate, 
Synod of gods ! and like to what ye are, 
Great things resolved, which from the lowest deep, 
Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate, 
Nearer our ancient seat ; perhaps in view 
Of those bright confines, whence with neighbouring arms 
And opportune excursions we may chance 
Re-enter Heaven ; or else in some mild zone 
Dwell, not un visited of Heaven's fair light, 
Secure, and at the brightening orient beam 
Purge off this gloom ; the soft delicious air, 
To heal the scar of these corrosive fires. 
Shall breath her balm. But first, whom shall we send 
In search of this new world ; whom shall we find 
Sufiicient? Who shall tempt with wandering feet 
The dark, unbottomed, infinite abyss. 
And through the palpable obscure find out 
His uncouth way, or spread his airy flight, 
Upborne with indefatigable wings. 
Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive 
The hap|)y isle ? What strength, what art can then 
Sufiice, or what evasion bear him safe 
Through the strict sentries and stations thick 
Of angels watching round ? Here he had need 
All circumspection, and we now no less 
Choice in our suffrage ; for on whom we send, 
The weight of all and our last hope, relies." 

This said, he sat; and expectation held 



PARADISE LOST. 47 

His look suspense, awaiting who appear'd 
^To second or oppose, or undertake 

j Tbe perilous attempt : but all sat mute, / 

j Pondering the danger with deep thoughts ; and each 
/ In others' countenance read his own dismay 

,_; Astonish'd : none among the choice and prime 

Of those heaven-warring champions could be found 
So hardy as to proffer or accept 
Alone the dreadful voyage ; till at last 
Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised 
Above his fellows, with monarchal pride 
Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake, 

" O progeny of Heaven ! empyreal thrones ! 
With reason hath deep silence and demur 
Seized us, though undismay'd : long is the way 
And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light ; 
Our prison strong ; this huge convex of fire, 
Outrageous to devour, immures us round 
Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant, 
Barred over us prohibit all egress. 
These pass'd, if any pass, the void profound 
Of unessential night receives him next 
Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being 
Threatens him plunged in that abortive gulf. 
If thence he 'scape into whatever world, 
Or unknown region, what remains him less 
Than unknown dangers, and as hard escape? 
But I should ill become this throne, O peers, 
And this imperial sovereignty, adorned 
With splendour, arm'd with power, if aught proposed 
And judged of public moment, in the shape 
Of difficulty or danger could deter 
Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume 
These royalties, and not refuse to reign, 
Refusing to accept as great a share 
Of hazard as of honour, due alike 
To him who reigns, and so much to him due 
Of hazard more, as he above the rest 
High honour'd sits ? Go, therefore, inighty powers, 
Terror of Heaven, though fallen ; intend at home, 



48 PARADISE LOST. 

While here shall be our home, what best may ease 

The present misery, and render Hell 

More tolerable ; if there be cure or charm 

To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain 

Of this ill-mansion : intermit no watch 

Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad 

Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek 

Deliverance for us all : this enterprise 

None shall partake with me." Thus saying rose 

The monarch, and prevented all reply, 

Prudent, lest from his resolution raised 

Others among the chief might offer now 

(Certain to be refused) what erst they fear'd ; 

And so refused might in opinion stand 

His rivals, winning cheap the high repute 

Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they 

Dreaded not more the adventure than his voice 

Forbidding ; and at once with him they rose ; 

Their rising all at once was as the sound 

Of thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend 

With awful reverence prone ; and as a god 

Extol him equal to the Highest in Heaven. 

Nor fail'd they to express how much they praised, 

That for the general safety he despised 

His own ; for neither do the spirits damned 

Lose all their virtue ; lest bad men should boast 

Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites. 

Or close ambition varnish'd o'er with zeal. 

Thus they their doubtful consultations dark 

Ended rejoicing in their matchless chief : 

As when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds 

Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread 

Heaven's cheerful face, the lowering element 

Scowls o'er the darken'd landskip snow or shower ; 

If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet 

Extend his evening beam, the fields revive, 

The birds their notes renew, and bleating herda 

Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. 

O shame to men ! devil with devil damned 

Firm concord holds, men only disagree 



PARADISE LOST. 4 

Of creatures rational, though under hope 

Of heavenly grace ; and, God proclaiming peace, 

Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife 

Among themselves, and levy cruel wars, 

Wasting the earth, each other to destroy : 

As if (which might induce us to accord) 

Man had not hellish foes enow besides, 

That day and night for his destruction wait. 

The Stygian council thus dissolved, and forth 
In order came the grand infernal peers : 
Midst came their mighty paramount, and seem'd 
Alone the antagonists of Heaven, nor less 
Than Hell's dread emperor with pomp supreme, 
And god-like imitated state ; him round * 

A globe of fiery seraphim enclosed 
With bright emblazonry and horrent arms. 
Then of their session ended they bid cry 
With trumpets regal sound the great result : 
Toward the four winds four speedy cherubim 
Put to their mouths the sounding alchemy, 
By heralds' voice explained ; the hollow abyss 
Heard far and wide, and all the host of Hell 
With deafening shout returned them loud acclaim. 
Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat raised 
By false presumptuous hope, the ranged powers 
Disband, and wandering, each his several way 
Pursues, as inclination or sad choice 
Leads him perplex'd, where he may likeliest find 
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain 
The irksome hours, till his great chief return. 
(Part on the plain, or in the air sublime. 
Upon the wing, or in swift race contend, 
As at the Olympian games or Pythian fields ; 
Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal 
With rapid wheels, or fronted brigades form. 
As when, to warn proud cities, war appears 
Waged in the troubled sky, and armies rush 
To battle in the clouds, before each van 
Prick forth the airy knights, and couch their spears 
Till thickest legions close ; with feats of arms 

4 



60 PARADISE LOST. 

From either end of heaven the welkin burns. 

Othei-s with vast Typhcean rage, more fell, 

Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air 

In whirlwind ; Hell scarce holds the wild uproar. 

As when Alcides, from Oechalia crowned 

With conquest, felt the envenomed robe, and tore 

Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pines, 

And Liclias from the top of Oeta threw 

Into th' Euboic sea. Others more mild, 

Retreated in a silent valley, sing 

With notes angelical to many a harp 

Their own heroic deeds and hapless fall 

By doom of battle ; and complain that fate 

Free virtue should enthral to force or chance. 

Their song was partial, but the harmony 

(What could it less when spirits immortal sing ?) 

Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment 

The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet 

(For eloquence the soul, song charms the sense) 

Others apart sat on a hill retired. 

In thoughts more elevate, and reason'd high 

Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate, 

Fix'd fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute. 

And found no end, in wandering mazes lost. 

Of good and evil much they argued then, 

Of happiness and final misery. 

Passion and apathy, and glory and shame, 

Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy : 

Yet with a pleasing sorcery could charm 

Pain for a while, or anguish, and excite 

Fallacious hope, or arm the obdured breast 

With stubborn patience as with triple steel. 

Another part, in squadrons and gross bands, 

On bold adventure to discover wide 

That dismal world, if any clime perhaps 

Might yield them easier habitation, bend 

Four ways their flying march, along the banki 

Of four infernal rivers, that disgorge 

Into the burning lake their baleful streams ; 

Abhorred Styx," the flood of deadly hate ; 



PARADISE LOST. 51 

Sad Acheron, of sorrow, black and deep, 

Cocytus, named of lamentation loud 

Heard on the rueful steam ; fierce Phle^-ethon, 

Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage. 

Far off from these a slow and silent stream, 

Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls 

Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks, 

Forthwith his former state and being forgets. 

Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain. 

Beyond this flood a frozen continent 

Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms 

Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land 

Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems 

Of ancient pile ; all else deep snow and ice, 

A gulf profound as that Serbonian bog 

Betwixt Damiata and Mount Casius old. 

Where armies whole have sunk : the parching air 

Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire. 

Thither, by harpy-footed furies haled, 

At certain revolutions all the damned 

Are brought ; and feel by turns the bitter change 

Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce; 

From beds of raging fire to starve in ice 

Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine 

Immoveable, infixed, and frozen round, 

Periods of time ; thence hurried back to fire, 

They ferry over this Lethean sound 

Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment. 

And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach 

The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose 

In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe. 

All in one moment, and so near the brink ; 

But fate withstands, and to oppose the attempt 

Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards 

The ford, and of itself the water flies 

All taste of living wigLt, as once it fled 

The lip of Tantalus. " Thus roving on 

In confused march forlorn, the adventurous bands 

With shuddering horror pale, and eyes aghast, 

Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found 



52 PARADISE LOST. 

No rest ; through many a dark and dreary vale 

They passed, and many a region dolorous, 

O'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp, 

Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades of death, 

A universe of death, which God by curse 

Created evil, for evil only good. 

Where all life dies, death lives, and nature breeds, 

Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, 

Abominable, unutterable, and worse 

Than fables yet have feigned, or fear conceived, 

Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimaeras dire. 

Meanwhile the adversary of God and man, 
Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest design, 
Puts on swift wings, and towards the gates of Hell 
Explores his solitary flight :( sometimes 
He scours the right hand coast, sometimes the left 
Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars 
Up to the fiery concave towering high. 
As when far off at sea a fleet descried 
Hangs in the clouds, by equinoctial winds 
Close sailing from Bengala, or the isles 
Of Ternate and Tidore, whence merchants bring 
Their spicy drugs ; they on the trading flood 
Through the wide Ethiopian to the cape 
Ply stemming nightly towards the pole. So seemed 
Far off the flying fiend : at last appear 
Hell bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof, 
And thrice threefold the gates ; threefolds were brass, 
Three iron, three of adamantine rock. 
Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire, 
Yetunconsumed. Before the gates there sat 
On either side a formidable shape ; 
The one seemed woman to the waist, and fair, 
But ended foul in many a scaly fold 
Voluminous and vast, a serpent armed 
With mortal sting : about her middle round 
A cry of hell-hounds never ceasing barked 
With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and rung 
A hideous peal;' yet, when they list, would creep, 
li aught disturbed their noise, into her womb, 



PARADISE LOST. 63 

And kennel there ; yet there still barked and howled 

Within unseen. Far less abhorred than these 

Vexed Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts 

Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore: 

Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when, called 

In secret, riding through the air she comes, 

liured with the smell of infant blood, to dance 

With Lapland witches while the labouring moon 

Eclipees at their charms. The other shape, 

If shape it might be called that shape had none 

Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb. 

Or substance might be called that shadow seemed, 

For each seemed either ; black it stood as night, 

Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell, 

And shook a dreadful dart ; what seemed his head 

The likeness of a kingly crown had on. 

Satan was now at hand ; and from his seat 

The monster moving onward came as fast 

With horrid strides ; Hell trembled as he strode. 

The undaunted fiend what this might be admired, 

Admired, not feared ; God and his Son except. 

Created thing nought valued he nor shunned ; 

And with disdainful look thus first began : 

" Whence and what art thou, execrable shape, 
That darest, though grim and terrible, advance 
Thy miscreated front athwart my way 
To yonder gates ? Through them I mean to pass, 
That be assured, without leave asked of thee : 
Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof, 
Hell-born, not to contend with spirits of Heaven." 

To whom the goblin full of wrath replied : 
" Art thou that traitor angel, art thou he, 
Who first broke peace in Heaven and faith, till then 
Unbroken, and in proud rebellious arms 
Drew after him the third part of Heaven's sons, 
Conjtired against the Highest ; for which both thou 
And they, outcast from God, are here condemned 
To waste eternal days in woe and pain ? 
And reckon 'st thou thyself with spirits of Heaven, 
Hell-doomed, and breath'st defiance here and scorn, 



54 PARADISE LOST. 

Where I reign king, and, to enrage thee more, 
Thy king and lord ? Back to thy punishment, 
False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings, 
Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue 
Thy lingering, or with one stroke of this dart 
Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before.*' 

So spake the grisly terror, and in shape, 
So speaking: and so threatening, grew tenfold 
More dreadful and deform : on the other side. 
Incensed with indignation, Satan stood 
Unterrified, and like a comet burned. 
That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge 
In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair 
Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head 
Levelled his deadly aim ; their fatal hands 
No second stroke intend ; and such a frown 
Each cast at the other, as when two black clouds. 
With Heaven's artillery fraught, come rattling on 
Over the Caspian, then stand front to front. 
Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow 
To join their dark encounter in mid-air : 
So frowned the mighty combatants, that Hell 
Grew darker at their frown, so matched they stood : 
For never but once more was either like 
To meet so great a foe : and now great deeds 
Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung, 
Had not the snaky sorceress that sat, 
Fast by Hell-gate, and kept the fatal key, 
Risen, and with hideous outcry rushed between. 
( " O father, what intends thy hand," she cried, 
"Against thy only son ? What fury, O son, 
Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart 
Against thy father's head ? and knowest for whom? 
For him who sits above and laughs the while 
At thee ordained his drudge, to execute 
Whate'er his wrath, which he calls justice, bids ; 
His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both." 

She spake, and at her words the hellish pest 
Forbore, then these to her Satan returned : 

"So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange 



PARADISE LOST. 55 

Thou interposest, that my sudden hand 
Prevented spares to tell thee yet by deeds 
What it intends ; till first I know of thee, 
What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and why 
In this infernal vale first met, thou call'st 
Me father, and that phantasm callest my son ; 
I know thee not, nor ever saw till now 
Sight more detestable than him and thee." 

To whom thus the portress of Hell-gate replied : 
" Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem 
Now in thine eye so foul ? once deemed so fair p • 
In Heaven, when at the assembly, and in sight -«i-^'-^' /^ » 

Of all the seraphim with thee combined ' ^^^ ^ 

In bold conspiracy against Heaven's King, /. t -^ 

All on a sudden miserable pain 

Surprised thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzy swum 

In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast 

Threw forth, till on the left side opening wide, ^^ ^-J^ '^ 

Likest to thee in shape and countenance bright, /A-V ^ C^'^^^^ 

Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess armed, - r^,fc<v 

Out of thy head I sprung : amazement seized -^ ^y^> 

All the host of Heaven ; back they recoiled afraid ' Jhu^*^' 

At first, and called me Sin, and for a sign 

Portentous held me ; but, familiar grown, 

I pleased, and with attractive graces won 

The most averse, thee chiefly, who full oft 

Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing 

Became enamoured, and such joy thou took'st 

With me in secret, that my womb conceived 

A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose. 

And fields were fought in Heaven ; wherein remained 

(For what could else ?) to our almighty foe 

Clear victory, to our part loss and rout 

Through all the empyrean : down they fell 

Driven headlong from the pitch of Heaven, down 

Into this deep, and in the general fall 

I also ; at which time this powerful key 

Into my hand was given, with charge to keep 

These gates for ever shut, which none can pass 

Without my opening. Pensive here I sat 



56 PARADISE LOST. 

Alone, but long I sat not, till my womb, 
Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown, 
Prodigious motion felt and rueful throes. 
At last this odious offspring whom thou seest, 
Thine own begotten, breaking violent way, 
Tore through my entrails, that with fear and pain 
Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew 
Transformed : but he my inbred enemy 
Forth issued, brandishing his fatal dart 
Made to destroy ; I fled, and cried out ' Death ! * 
Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed 
From all her caves, and back resounded ' Death I ' 
I fled, but he pursued (though more, it seems, 
Inflamed with lust than rage), and swifter far, 
Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed, 
And in embraces forcible and foul 
Engendering with me, of that rape begot 
These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry 
Surround me, as thou sawest, hourly conceived 
And hourly born, with sorrow infinite 
To me ; for when they list, into the womb 
That bred them they return, and howl, and gnaw 
My bowels, their repast ; then bursting forth 
Afresh with conscious terrors vex me round, 
That rest or intermission none I find. 
Before mine eyes in opposition sits 
Grim Death, my son and foe, who sets them on, 
And me his parent would full soon devour 
For want of other prey, but that he knows 
His end with mine involved ; and knows that I 
Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane, 
Whenever that shall be ; so fate pronounced. 
But thou, O father, I forewarn thee, shun 
His deadly arrow ; neither vainly hope 
To be invulnerable in those bright arms. 
Though tempered heavenly ; for that mortal dint, 
Save he who reigns above, none can resist." 
She finished, and the subtle fiend his lore 
Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered smooth: 
" Dear daughter, since thou claim'st me for thy sire, 



PARADISE LOST. 57 

And my fair son here show'st me, the dear pledge 

Of dalliance had with thee in Heaven, and joys 

Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change 

Befallen us unforeseen, unthought of ; know 

I come no enemy, but to set free 

From out>.this dark and dismal house of pain 

Both him and thee, and all the heavenly host 

Of spirits, that in our just pretenses armed. 

Fell with us from on high : from them I go 

This uncouth errand sole ; and, one for all, 

Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread 

The unfounded deep, and through the void immense 

To searcli with wandering quest a place foretold 

Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere now 

Created vast and round ; a place of bliss 

In the purlieus of Heaven, and therein placed 

A race of upstart creatures, to supply 

Perhaps our vacant room, though more removed, 

Lest Heaven, surcharged with potent multitude, 

Might hap to move new broils : be this or aught 

Than this more secret now designed, I haste 

To know, and, this once known, shall soon return, 

And bring ye to the place where thou and Death 

Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen 

Wing silently the buxom air, imbalmed 

With odours ; there ye shall be fed and filled 

Immeasurably ; all things shall be your prey." 

He ceased, for both seemed highly pleased, and Death 
Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear 
His famine should be filled, and blessed his maw 
Destined to that good hour: no less rejoiced 
His mother bad, and thus bespake her sire ; 

" The key of this infernal pit by due. 
And by command of Heaven's all-powerful King 
I keep, by him forbidden to unlock 
These adamantine gates ; against all force 
Death ready stands to interpose his dart. 
Fearless to be o'ermatched by living might. 
But what owe I to his comniuiuls above 
Who hates me, and hath hithe?- thrust me down 



68 PARADISE LOST. 

Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, 

To sit in hateful office here confined, 

Inhabitant of Heaven, and heavenly-born, 

Here in perpetual agony and pain, 

With terrors and with clamours compassed rmind 

Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feedr 

Thou art my father, thou my author, thou 

My being gavest me ; whom should I obey 

But thee ? whom follow ? thou wilt bring me soon 

To that new world of light and bliss, among 

The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign 

At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems 

Thy daughter and thy darling, without end." 

Thus saying, from her side the fatal key, 
Sad instrument of all our woe, she took ; 
And towards the gate rolling her bestial train, 
Forthwith the huge portcullis high up drew, 
Which, but herself, not all the Stygian powers 
Could once have moved ; then in the key-hole turns 
The intricate wards, and every bolt and bar 
Of massy iron or solid rock with ease 
Unfastens : on a sudden open fly, 
With impetuous recoil and jarrino; sound 
The infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 
Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook 
Of Erebus. She opened, but to shut 
Excelled her power ; the gates wide open stood. 
That with extended wings a bannered host, 
Under spread ensigns marching might pass through 
With horse and chariots ranked in loose array ; 
So wide they stood, and like a furnace mouth 
Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame. 
Before their eyes in sudden view appear 
The secrets of the hoary deep, a dark 
Illimitable ocean, without bound. 

Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height, 
And time, and place, are lost ; where eldest Night 
And Chaos, ancestors of nature, hold 
Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise 
Of endless wars, and by confusion stand. 



PARADISE LOST. 69 

For Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, four champions fierce, 
' trive here for mastery, and to battle bring 
Their embryon atoms : they around the flag 
Df each his faction, in their several clans, 
Light armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift, or slow, 
Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands 
Of Barca or Gyrene's torrid soil. 
Levied to side with warring winds, and poise 
Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere, 
He rules a moment ; Chaos umpire sits, 
And by decision more embroils the fray 
By which he reigns : next him high arbiter 
Chance governs all. Into this wild abyss, 
The womb of nature, and perhaps her grave. 
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire, 
But all these in their pregnant causes mixed 
Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight, 
Unless the almighty Maker them ordain 
His dark materials to create more worlds ;,' 
r-f- Into this wild abyss the wary fiend 

Stood on the brink of Hell, and looked a while. 
Pondering his voyage ; for no narrow frith 
He had to cross. Nor was his ear less pealed 
With noises loud and ruinous (to compare 
Great things with small) than when Bollona storms, 
With all her battering engines bent to raze 
Some capital city ; or less than if this frame 
Of Heaven were failing, and these elements 
In mutiny had from her axle torn 
The steadfast earth. At last his sail-broad vans 
He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoke 
Uplifted spurns the ground ; thence many a league. 
As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides 
Audacious ; but, that seat soon failing, meets 
A vast vacuity : all unawares, 

Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb down he drops 
Ten thousand fathom deep, and to this hour 
Down had been falling, had not by ill chance 
The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud. 
Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him 



60 PARADISE LOST. 

As many miles aloft:. that fury stayed, 
Quenched in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea, 
Nor good dry land ; nigh foundered, on he fares 
Treading the crude consistence, half on foot. 
Half flying ; behoves him now both oar and sail. 
As when a gryphon through the wilderness 
With winged course, o'er hill or moory dale, 
Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth 
Had from his wakeful custody purloined 
The guarded gold : so eagerly the fiend 
O'er bog, or steep, through strait, rough, den^e, or rare, 
With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way 
And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or fliesjj 
At length a universal hubbub wild 
Of stunning sounds and "voices all confused, 
Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear 
With loudest vehemence : thither he plies. 
Undaunted, to meet there whatever power 
Or spirit of the nethermost abyss 
Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask 
Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies 
Bordering on light ; when straight behold the throne 
Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread 
Wide on the wasteful deep; with him enthroned 
Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things. 
The consort of his reign, and by them stood 
Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name 
Of Demogorgon ; Rumour next, and Chance, 
And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled. 
And Discord with a thousand various mouths. *^ 
To whom Satan turning boldly, thus : " Ye powers 
And spirits of this nethermost abyss. 
Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy, 
With purpose to explore or to disturb 
The secrets of your realm, but, by constraint 
Wandering this darksome desert, as my way 
Lies through your spacious empire up to light, 
Alone, and without guide, half lost, I seek 
What readiest path leads where your gloomy bounds 
Confine with Heaven : or, if some other place. 



PAKADISE LOST, 61 

From your dominion won, the ethereal king 

Possesses lately, thither to arrive 

I travel this profound ; direct my course; 

Directed, no mean recompense it brings 

To your behoof, if I that region lost, 

All usurpation thence expelled, reduce 

To her original darkness and your sway 

(Which is my present journey), and once more 

Erect the standard there of ancient Night ; 

Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge." 

Thus Satan ; and him thus the Anarch old. 
With faltering speech and visage in composed, 
Answered : " I know thee, stranger, who thou art : 
That mighty leading angel, who of late 
Made head against Heaven's King, though overthrown. 
I saw and heard, for such a numerous host 
Fled not in silence through the frighted deep 
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout. 
Confusion worse confounded ; and Heaven-gates 
Poured out by millions her victorious bands 
Pursuing, f I upon my frontiers here 
Keep residence ; if all I can will serve 
That little which is left so to defend, 
Encroached on still through your intestine broils, 
Weakening the sceptre of old Night : first Hell, 
Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath; 
Now lately Heaven and Earth, another world, 
Hung o'er my realm, link'd in a golden chain 
To that side Heaven from whence your legions felL 
If that way be your walk, you have not far; 
So much the nearer danger; go, and speed; 
Havoc, and spoil, and ruin, are my gain.^^ 
4- He ceased ; and Satan stayed not to reply, 
But glad that now his sea should find a shore, 
With fresh alacrity and force renewed 
Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire. 
Into the wild expanse, and through the shock 
Of fighting elements, on all sides round 
Environed, wins his way,\Jiarder beset 
And more endangered, than when Argo passed 



62 PARADISE LOST. 

Through Bosphorus, betwixt the justling rocks; 

Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned 

Charybdis, and by the other whirlpool steered. 

So he with difficulty and labour hard 

Moved on, with difficulty and labour he ; 

But he once passed, soon after, when man fell, 

Strange alteration ! Sin and Death amain 

Following his track (such was the will of Heayen), 

Paved after him a broad and beaten way 

Over the dark abyss, whose boilinggulf 

Tamely endured a bridge of wondrotis length, 

From Hell continued, reaching the utmost orb 

Of this frail world, by which the spirits perverse 

With easy intercourse pass to and fro 

To tempt or punish mortals, except whom 

God and good angels guard by special grace) 

Put now at last the sacred influence 

Of light appears, and from the walls of Heaven 

Shoots far into the bosom of dim Night 

A glimmering dawn ; here Nature first begins 

Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire, 

As from her utmost works, a broken foe, 

With tumult less, and with less hostile din, 

That Satan with less toil, and now with ease 

Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light, 

And like a weather-beaten vessel holds 

Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn; 

Or in the emptier waste, resembling air. 

Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold 

Far off the empyreal Heaven, extended wide 

In circuit, undetermined square or round, ' 

With opal towers and battlements adorned 

Of living sapphire, once his native seat; 

And fast by, hanging in a golden chain. 

This pendent world, in bigness as a star 

Of smallest magnitude close by the moon. 

Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge, 

Accursed, and in a cursed hour, he hies. 



PAEADISE LOST. 63 



BOOK III. 

THE AKGUMENT. 

God, sitting on His throne, sees Satan flying towards this world, then 
newly created : shows him to the Son, who sat at His right hand ; fore- 
tells the success of Satan in perverting mankind ; clears his own justice 
and wisdom from all imputation, having created man free, and able 
enough to have withstood his tempter ; yet declares his purpose of grace 
towards him, in regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but by 
hira seduced. The Son of God renders praises to his Father for the mani- 
festation of his gracious purpose towards man ; but God again declares 
that grace cannot be extended towards man without the satisfaction of 
divine justice ; man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to 
godhead, and therefore with all his progeny devoted to death must 
die, unless some one can be found sufficient to answer for his offence, and 
undergo his punishment. The Son of God freely offers himself a ransom 
for man; The Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, pronounces 
His exaltation above all names in Heaven and Earth: commands all the 
angels to adore him ; they obey, and by hymning to their harps in full 
quire, celebrate the Father and the Son." Meanwhile Satan alights upon 
the bare convex of this world's outermost orb; where wandering he first 
finds a place, since called the Limbo of Vanity ; what persons and things 
fly up thither; thence comes to the gate of Heaven, described ascending 
by stairs, and the waters above the firmament that flow about it: his pas- 
sage thence to the orb of the sun ; he finds there Uriel, the regent of that 
orb, but first changes himself into the shape of a meaner angel; and 
pretending a zealous desire to behold the new creation, and man whom 
God had placed here, inquires of him the place of his habitation, and 
is directed : alights first on mount Niphates. 

Hail, holy Light! offspring of Heaven firstborn! 
\0r of the Eternal coeternal beam, 
May I express thee unblamed ? since God is light, 
And never but in nnapproached light. 
Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee, 
Bright effluence of bright essence increate. 
Or hear'st thou rather pure ethereal stream. 
Whose fountain who shall tell ? Before the sun, 
Before the Heaven thou wert ; and at the voice 
Of God, as with a mantle didst invest 



64 PARADISH LOST. 

The rising world of waters dark and deep, 

Won from the void and formless infinite. 

Thee I revisit now with bolder wing, 

Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained 

In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight 

Through utter and through middle darkness borne 

With other notes than to the Orphean lyre 

I sung of Chaos and eternal Night ; 

Taught by the heavenly muse to venture down 

The dark descent, and up to re ascend. 

Though hard and rare : Thee I revisit safe, 

And feel thy sovereign vital lamp ; but thou 

Revisit'st not these eyes, that roll in vain 

To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn ; 

So thick a drop serene hath quenched their orbs, 

Or dim suffusion veiled. Yet not the more 

Cease I to wander, where the Muses haunt 

Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny hill, 

Smit with the love of sacred song; but chief 

Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath, 

That washed thy hallowed feet, and warbling floWj 

Nightly I visit : nor sometimes forget 

Those other two equalled with me in fate, 

So were I equalled with them in renown, 

Blind Thamyris and blind Maeonides, 

And Tiresias and Phineas, prophets old : 

Then feed on thoughts, that voluntary move 

Harmonious numbers ; as the wakeful bird 

Sings darkling, and in shadiest covert hid 

Tunes her nocturnal note. ( Thus with the year 

Seasons return, but not to me returns 

Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, 

Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose. 

Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine; 

But cloud instead, and ever-during dark 

Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men 

Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair 

Presented with a universal blank 

Of nature's works to me expunged and rased. 

And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. 



PARADISE LOST. 65 

So much the rather thou, celestial Light, 

Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers 

Irradiate ; there plant eyes, all mist from thence 

Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell 

Of things invisible to mortal sight. 

Now had the Almighty Father from above, 
From the pure empyrean where he sits 
High throned above all height, bent down his eye, 
His own works and their works at once to view : 
About him all the sanctities of Heaven 
Stood thick as stars, and from his sight received 
Beatitude past utterance ; on his right 
The radiant image of his glory sat. 
His only Son ; on earth he first beheld 
Our two first parents, yet the only two 
Of mankind, in the happy garden placed, 
Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love, 
Uninterrupted joy, unrivalled love. 
In blissful solitude ; he then surveyed 
Hell and the gulf between, and Satan there 
Coasting the wall of Heaven on this side Night, 
In the dun air sublime, and ready now 
To stoop with wearied wings and willing feet 
On the bare outside of this world, that seemed 
Firm land embosomed, without firmament, 
Uncertain which, in ocean or in air. 
Him God beholding from his prospect high. 
Wherein past, present, future, he beholds. 
Thus to his only Son forseeing spake : 

" Only begotten Son, seest thgu what rage 
Transports our adversary ? whom no bounds 
Prescribed, no bars of Hell, nor all the chains 
Heaped on him there, nor yet the main abyss 
Wide interrupt, can hold ; so bent he seems 
On desperate revenge, that shall redound 
Upon his own rebellious head. And now 
Through all restraint broke loose he wings his way 
Not far off Heaven, in the precincts of light, 
Directly towards the new-created world. 
And man there placed, with purpose to essay 

5 



66 PARADISE LOST. 

If him by force he can destroy, or worse, 

By some false guile pervert ; and shall pervert. 

For man will hearken to his glozing lies, 

And easily transgress the sole command, 

Sole pledge of his obedience : so will fall 

He and his faithless progeny : w^hose fault ? 

Whose but his own ? Ingrate, he had of me 

All he could have : I made him just and right, 

Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall. 

Such I created all the ethereal powers 

And spirits, both them tvho stood, and them who fail'd ; 

Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell. 

Not free, what proof could they have given sincere 

Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love. 

Where only what they needs must do appeared, 

Not what they would ? what praise could they receive r 

What pleasure I from such obedience paid, 

When will and reason (reason also is choice) 

Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled, 

Made passive both, had served necessity. 

Not me ? They therefore as to right belonged, 

So were created, nor can justly accuse 

Their Maker, or their making, or their fate, 

As if predestination over-ruled 

Their will, disposed by absolute decree 

Or high foreknowledge ; they themselves decreed 

Their own revolt, not I ; if I foreknew. 

Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault, 

Which had no less proved certain unforeknown. 

So without least impulse* or shadow of fate, 

Or aught by me immutably foreseen, 

They trespass, authors to themselves in all 

Both w^hat they judge, and what they choose ; for so 

I formed them free : and free they must remain, 

Till they enthral themselves ; I else must change 

Their nature, and revoke the high decree 

Unchangeable, eternal, which ordained 

Their freedom ; they themselves ordained their fall. 

The first sort by their own suggestion fell. 

Self-tempted, self-depraved : man falls deceived 



PARADISE LOST. 

By the other first ; man therefore shall find grace, 
The other none : in mercy and justice both, 
Through Heaven and earth, so shall my glory excel; 
But mercy, first and last, shall brightest shine." 

Thus while God spake ambrosial fragrance filled 
All Heayen, and in the blessed spirits elect 
Sense of new joy ineffable diffused: 
Beyond compare the Son of God was seen 
Most glorious ; in him all his Father shone 
Substantially expressed ; and in his face 
Divine compassion visibly appeared, 
Love without end, and without measure grace, 
Which uttering thus he to his father spake : 

"O Father, gracious was that word which closed 
Thy sovereign sentence, that man should find grace; 
Foi- which both Heaven and earth shall high extol 
Thy praises, with the innumerable sound 
Of hymns and saci'ed songs, wherewith thy throne 
Encompassed shall resound thee ever blessed. 
For should man finally be lost, should man, 
Thy creature late so loved, thy youngest son, 
Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though joined 
With his own folly ? that be from thee far, 
That far be from thee. Father, who art judge 
Of all things made, and judgest only right. 
Or shall the adversary thus obtain 
His end, and frustrate thine ? shall he fulfil 
His malice, and thy goodness bring to nought, 
Or proud return, though to his heavier doom. 
Yet with revenge accom])lished, and to Hell 
Draw after him the whole race of mankind, 
By him corrupted ? or wilt thou thyself 
Abolish thy creation, and unmake 
For him, what for thy glory thou hast made? 
So should thy goodness and thy greatness both 
Be questioned and blasphemed without defence." 
.. To whom the great Creator thus replied : 
" O Son, in whom my soul hath chief delight. 
Son of my bosom. Son who art alone 
My word, my wisdom, and effectual might, 



67 



68 PARADISE LOST. 

All hast thou spoken ns my thoughts are, all 

As my eternal purpose hath decreed : 

Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will, 

Yet not of will in him, but grace in rae 

Freely vouchsafed ; once more I will renew 

His lapsed powers, though forfeit, and enthralled 

By sin to foul exorbitant desires ; 

Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand • 

On even ground against his mortal foe, 

By me upheld, that he may know how frail 

His fallen condition is, and to me owe 

All his deliverance, and to none but me. 

Some I have chosen of peculiar grace 

Elect above the rest ; so is my will : 

The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warned 

Their sinful state, and to appease betimes 

The incensed Deity, while offered grace 

Invites ; for I will clear their senses dark, 

What may suffice, and soften stony hearts 

To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. 

To prayer, repentance, and obedience due, 

Though but endeavoured with sincere intent, 

Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut. 

And I will place within them as a guide 

My umpire Conscience, whom if they will hear. 

Light after light well used they shall attain, 

And to the end persisting, safe arrive. 

This my long sufferance and my day of grace, 

They who neglect and scorn shall never taste ; 

But hard be hardened, blind be blinded more, 

That they may stumble on, and deeper fall ; 

And none but such from mercy I exclude. 

But yet all is not done : man disobeying, 

Disloyal breaks his fealty, and sins 

Against the high supremacy of Heaven, 

Affecting godhead, and so losing all, 

To expiate his treason hath nought left. 

But to destruction sacred and devote, 

He with his whole posterity must die. 

Die he or justice must; unless for him 



PARADISE LOST. 

Some other able, and as willing, pay 

The rigid satisfaction — death for death. 

Say, heavenly powers, where shall we find such love? 

Which of ye will be mortal to redeem 

Man's mortal crime, and just the unjust to save? 

Dwells in all Heaven charity so dear ! " 

He asked ; but all the heavenly quire stood mute, 
And silence was in Heaven : on man's behalf 
Patron or intercessor none appeared. 
Much less that durst upon his own head draw 
The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set. 
And now without redemption all mankind 
Must have been lost, adjudged to death and Hell 
By doom severe, had not the Son of God, 
In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, 
His dearest mediation thus renewed : 

" Father, Thy word is past, man shall find grace ; 
And shall grace not find means, that finds her way, 
The speediest of thy winged messengers, 
To visit all thy creatures, and to all 
Comes unpre vented, unimplored, unsought? 
Happy for man, so coming ; he her aid 
Can never seek, once dead in sins and lost ; 
Atonement for himself or offering meet, 
Indebted and undone, hath none to bring : 
Behold me then ; me for him, life for life, 
I offer ; on me let thine anger fall ; 
Account me man ; I for his sake will leave 
Thy bosom, and this glory next to thee 
Freely put off, and for him lastly die 
Well pleased ; on me let Death wreak all his rage ; 
Under his gloomy power I shall not long 
Lie vanquished ; thou hast given me to possess 
Life in myself for ever ; by thee I live. 
Though now to Death I yield, and am his due 
All that of me can die ; yet, that debt paid, 
Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave 
His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul 
For ever with corruption there to dwell ; 
But I shall rise victorious, and subdue 



70 PAEADISE LOST. 

My vanquisher, spoiled of his vaunted spoil ; 

Death his death's wound shall then receive, and stoop 

Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarmed. 

I through the ample air in triumph high 

Shall lead Hell captive, maugre Hell, and show 

The powers of darkness bound. Thou at the sight 

Pleased, out of Heaven shall look down and smile, 

While by thee raised I ruin all my foes. 

Death last, and with his carcass glut the grave ; 

Then with the multitude of my redeemed 

Shall enter Heaven, long absent, and return, 

Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud 

Of anger shall remain, but peace assured 

And reconcilement ; wrath shall be no more 

Thenceforth, but in thy presence joy entire." 

His words here ended, but his meek aspect 
Silent yet spake, and breathed immortal love 
To mortal men, above which only shone 
Filial obedience ; as a sacrifice 
Glad to be offered, he attends the will 
Of his great Father. Admiration seized 
All Heaven, what this might mean, and whither tend, 
Wondering; but soon the Almighty thus replied; 

" O thou, in Heaven and earth the only peace 
Found out for mankind under wrath, O thou, 
My soul complacence ! well thou know'st how dear 
To me are all my works, nor man the least, 
Though last created ; that for him I spare 
Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save. 
By losing thee awhile, the whole race lost. 
Thou therefore, whom thou only canst redeem, 
Their nature also to thy nature join; 
And be thyself man among men on earth, 
Made flesh, when time shall be, of virgin seed, 
By wondrous birth: be thou in Adam's room 
The head of all mankind, though Adam's son. 
As in him perish all men, so in thee, 
As from a second root, shall be restored 
As many as are restored, without thee none. 
His crime makes guilty all his sons ; thy merit, 



PARADISE LOST. 



71 



Imputed shall absolve them who renounce 

Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds, 

And live in thee transplanted, and from thee 

Receive new life. So man, as is most just, 

Shall satisfy for man, be judged and die. 

And dying rise, and rising with him, raise 

His brethren, ransomed with his own dear life. 

So heavenly love shall outdo hellish hate, 

Giving to death, and dying to redeem, 

So dearly to redeem what hellish hate 

So easily destroyed, and still destroys 

In those who, when they may, accept not grace. 

Nor shalt thou, by descending to assume 

Man's nature, lessen or degrade thine own. 

Because thou hast, though throned in highest bliss 

Equal to God, and equally enjoying 

God-like fruition, quitted all to save 

A world from utter loss, and hast been found 

By merit more than birthright Son of God, 

Found worthiest to be so by being good, 

Far more than great or high ; because in thee 

Love hath abounded more than glory abounds, 

Therefore thy humiliation shall exalt 

With thee thy manhood also to this throne ; 

Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt reign 

Both God and man. Son both of God and man, 

Anointed universal King; all power 

I give thee ; reign for ever, and assume 

Thy merits ; under thee as head supreme 

Thrones, princedoms, powers, dominions I reduce : 

All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide 

In heaven or earth, or under earth in Hell. 

When thou, attended gloriously from Heaven, 

Shalt in the sky appear, and from thee send 

The summoning archangels to proclaim 

Thy dread tribunal ; forthwith from all winds 

The living, and forthwith the cited dead 

Of all past ages, to the general doom 

Shall hasten, such a peal shall rouse their sleep. 

Then, all thy saints assembled, thou shalt judge 



72 PABADISE LOST. 

Bad men and angels ; they arraigned shall sink 

Beneath thy sentence ; Hell, her numbers full, 

Thenceforth shall be forever shut. Meanwhile 

The world shall burn, and from her ashes spring 

New Heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwell, 

And after all their tribulations long 

See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds. 

With joy and love triumphing, and fair truth. 

Then thou thy regal sceptre shalt lay by, 

For regal sceptre then no more shall need; 

God shall be all in all. But, all ye gods, 

Adore him who to compass all this dies ; 

Adore the Son, and honour him as me." 

No sooner had the Almighty ceased, but all 
The multitude of angels, with a shout 
Loud as from numbers without number, sweet 
As from blessed voices, uttering joy. Heaven rung 
With jubilee, and loud Hosannas filled 
The eternal regions : lowly reverent 
Towards either throne they bow, and to the ground 
With solemn adoration down they cast 
Their crowns inwove with amarant and gold; 
Immortal amarant, a flower which once 
In Paradise, fast by the tree of life, 
Began to bloom ; but soon for man's offence 
To Heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows, 
And flowers aloft shading the fount of life. 
And where the river of bliss through midst of Heaven 
Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream ; 
With these, that never fade, the spirits elect 
Bind their resplendent locks enwreathed with beams : 
Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright 
Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone. 
Empurpled with celestial roses, smiled. 
Then, crowned again, their golden harps they took, 
Harps ever tuned, that glittering by tlieir side 
Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweet 
Of charming symphony they introduce 
Their sacred song, and waken raptures high ; 
No voice exempt, no voice but well could join 



PARADISE LOST. 73 

Melodious part, such concord is in Heaven. 

" Thee, Father," first they sung, " Omnipotent, 
Immutable, Immortal, Infinite, 
Eternal King ; thee. Author of all being, 
Fountain of light, thyself invisible 
Amidst the glorious brightness where thou sitt'st 
Throned inaccessible, but when thon shad'st 
The full blaze of thy beams, and through a cloud 
Drawn round about thee like a radiant shrine, 
Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appear, 
Yet dazzle Heaven, that brightest seraphim 
Approach not, but with both wings veil their eyes. 
Thee," next they sang, " of all creation first. 
Begotten Son, Divine Similitude, 
In whose conspicuous count'nance, without cloud 
Made visible, the Almighty Father shines. 
Whom else no creature can behold ; on thee 
Impressed the effulgence of his glory abides. 
Transfused on thee his ample Spirit rests. 
He Heaven of Heavens, and all the powers therein 
By thee created, and by thee threw down 
The aspiring dominations : thou that day 
Thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare, 
Nor stop thy flaming chariot wheels, that shook 
Heaven's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks 
Thou drov'st of warring angels disarrayed 
Back from pursuit thy powers with loud acclaim 
Thee only extolled, Son of thy Father's might. 
To execute fierce vengeance on his foes. 
Not so on man : him, through their malice fallen, 
Father of mercy and grace, thou didst not doom 
So strictly, but much more to pity inclined: 
No sooner did thy dear and only Son 
Perceive thee purposed not to doom frail man 
So strictly, but much more to pity incline, 
He, to appease thy wrath, and end the strife 
Of mercy and justice in thy face discerned, 
Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat 
Second to thee, offered himself to die 
For man's offence. O unexampled love, 



74 PARADISE LOST. 

Love nowhere to be found less than Divine ! 
Hail, Son of God, Saviour of men ! thy name 
Shall be the copious matter of my song 
Plenceforth, and never sliall my heart thy praise 
Forget, nor from thy Father's praise disjoin." 

Thus they in Heaven, above the starry sphere, 
Their happy hours in joy and hymning spent. 
Meanwhile upon the firm opacous globe 
Of this round world, whose first convex divides 
The luminous inferior orbs inclosed 
From Chaos, and the inroad of Darkness old, 
Satan alighted walks : a globe far o& 
It seemed, now seems a boundless continent, 
Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of night 
Starless exposed, and ever-threatening storms 
Of Chaos blustering round, inclement sky ; 
Save on that side which from the wall of Heaven, 
Though distant far, some small reflection gains 
Of glimmering air less vexed with tempest loud : 
Here walked the fiend at large in spacious field. 
As when a vulture on Imaus bred. 
Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds, 
Dislodging from a region scarce of prey 
To gorge the flesh of lambs or yeanling kids 
On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the spring* 
Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams ; 
But in his way lights on the barren plains 
Of Sericana, where Chineses drive 
With sails and wind their cany wagons light ; 
So on this windy sea of land, the fiend 
Walked up and down alone, bent on his prey ; 
Alone, for other creature in this place 
Living or lifeless to be found was none ; 
None yet, but store hereafter from the earth 
Up hither like aerial vapours flew 
Of all things transitory and vain, when sin 
With vanity Lad filled the works of men ; 
Both all things vain, and all who in vain things 
Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame. 
Or happiness in this or the other life ; 



PARADISE LOST. 75 

All who have their reward on earth, the fruits 

Of painful superstition and blind zeal, 

Nought seeking but the praise of men, here find 

Fit retribution, empty as their deeds ; 

All th' unaccomplished works of Nature's hand, 

Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixed. 

Dissolved on earth, fleet hither, and in vain, 

Till final dissolution, wander here. 

Not in the neighbouring moon, as some have dreamed ; 

Those argent fields more likely habitants, 

Translated saints, or middle spirits, hold, 

Betwixt the angelical and human kind. 

Hither of ill-joined sons and daughters born 

First from the ancient world those giants came 

With many a vain exploit, though then renowned, 

The builders next of Babel on the plain 

Of Sennaar, and still with vain design 

New Babels, had they wherewithal, would build : 

Others came single ; he Avho to be deemed 

A god, leaped fondly into ^tna flames, 

Empedocles ; and he who to enjoy 

Plato's Elysium, leaped into the sea, 

Cleombrotus ; and many more too long, 

Embryos and idiots, eremites and friars. 

White, black, and gray, with all their trumpery. 

Here pilgrims roam, that strayed so far to see 

In Golgotha him dead, who lives in Heaven ; 

And they who to be sure of Paradise- 

Dying put on the weeds of Dominic, 

Or in P^ranciscan think to pass disguised ; 

They pass the planets seven, and pass the fixed, 

And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs 

The trepidation talked, and that first moved ; 

And now Saint Peter at Heaven's wicket seems 

To wait them with his keys, and now at foot 

Of Heaven's ascent they lift their feet, when lo ! 

A violent cross-wind from either coast 

Blows them transverse ten thousand leagues awry 

Into the devious air ; then might ye see 

Cowls, hoods, and habits with tlieir wearers tost 



76 PAEADISE LOST. 

And fluttered into rags ; then relics, beads, 

Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, bulls, 

The sport of winds : all these upwhirled aloft, 

Fly o'er the backside of the world far off 

Into a limbo large and broad, since called 

The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown 

Long after, now unpeopled, and untrod. 

All this dark globe the fiend found as he passed, 

And long he wandered, till at last a gleam 

Of dawning light turned thitherward in haste 

His travelled steps ; far distant he descries, 

Ascending by degrees magnificent 

Up to the wall of Heaven, a structure high ; 

At top whereof, but far more rich, appeared 

The work as of a kingly palace gate. 

With frontispiece of diamond and gold 

Embellished ; thick with sparkling orient gems 

The portal shone, inimitable on earth 

By model, or by shading pencil drawn. 

The stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw 

Angels ascending and descending, bands 

Of guardians bright, when he from Esau fled 

To Pad an- Aram, in the field of Luz, 

Dreaming by night under the open sky, 

And waking cried, ' This is the gate of Heaven.' 

Each stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood 

There always, but drawn up to Heaven sometimei 

Viewless ; and underneath a bright sea flowed 

Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon 

Who after came from earth, sailing arrived. 

Wafted by angels, or flew o'er the lake 

Rapt in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds. 

The stairs were then let down, whether to dare 

The fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate 

His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss : 

Direct against which opened from beneath, 

Just o'er the blissful seat of Paradise, 

A passage down to the earth, a passage wide, 

Wider by far than that of after times 

Over Mount Sion, and, though that were large, 



PARADISE LOST. 77 

Over the promised land to God so dear, 

By which, to visit oft those happy tribes, 

On high behests his angels to and fro 

Passed frequent, and his eye with choice regard 

From Paneas, the fount of Jordan's flood. 

To Beersaba, where the Holy Land 

Borders on Egypt and the Arabian shore ; 

So wide the opening seemed, where bounds were set 

To darkness, such as bound the ocean wave. 

Satan from hence, now on the lower stair. 

That scaled by steps of gold to Heaven-gate, 

Looks down with wonder at the sudden view 

Of all this world at once. As when a scout 

Through dark and desert ways with peril gone 

All night, at last by break of cheerful dawn 

Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill. 

Which to his eye discovers unaware 

The goodly prospect of some foreign land 

First seen, or some renowned metropolis. 

With glistering spires and pinnacles adorned. 

Which now the rising sun glides with his beams : 

Such wonder seized, though after Heaven seen. 

The spirit malign, but much more envy seized. 

At sight of all this world beheld so fair. 

Round he surveys (and well might, where he stood 

So high above the circling canopy 

Of night's extended shade), from eastern point 

Of Libra to the fleecy star that bears 

Andromeda far off Atlantic seas. 

Beyond the horizon ; then from pole to pole 

He views in breadth, and without longer pause 

Down right into the world's first region throws 

His flight precipitant, and winds with ease 

Through the pare marble air his oblique way 

Amongst innumerable stars, that shone 

Stars distant, but nigh hand seemed other worlds ; 

Or other worlds they seemed, or happy isles, 

Like those Hesperian gardens famed of old. 

Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales ; 

Thrice happy isles, but who dwelt happy there 



78 PARADISE LOST. 

He staid not to inquire : above them all 

The golden sun, in splendour likest Heaven, 

Allured his eye : thither his course he bends 

Through the calm firmament (but up or down, 

By centre, or eccentric, hard to tell. 

Or longitude), where the great luminary 

Aloof the vulgar constellations thick. 

That from his lordly eye keep distance due, 

Dispenses light from far ; they as they move 

Their starry dance in numbers that compute 

Days, months, and years, towards his all-cheering lamp 

Turn swift their various motions, or are turned 

By his magnetic beam, that gently warms 

The universe, and to each inward part 

With gentle penetration, though unseen. 

Shoots invisible vii'tue even to the deep ; 

So wondrously was set his station bright. 

There lands the fiend, a spot like which, perhaps, 

Astronomer in the sun's lucent orb 

Through his glazed oj^tic tube yet never saw. 

The place he found beyond expression bright, 

Compared with aught on earth, metal or stone ; 

Not all parts like, but all alike informed 

With radiant light, as glowing iron with fire ; 

If metal, part seemed gold, part silver clear ; 

If stone, carbuncle most, or chrysolite. 

Ruby or topaz, to the twelve that shone 

In Aaron's breastplate, and a stone besides 

Imagined rather oft than elsewhere seen. 

That stone, or like to that, which here below 

Philosophers in vain so long have sought; 

In vain, though by their powerful art they bind 

Volatile Hermes, and call u]) unbound 

In various shapes old Proteus fi'om the sea. 

Drained through a limbec to his native form. 

What wonder then if fields and regions here 

Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run 

Portable gold, when with one virtuous touch 

The arch-chemic sun, so far from us remote, 

Produces, w \h terrestrial humour mixed, 



PARADISE LOST. 79 

Here in the dark so many precious things 

Of cohjur glorious and effect so rare ? 

Here matter new to gaze the devil met 

Undazzled ; far and wide his eye commands; 

For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, 

But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon 

Culminate from the equator, as they now 

Shot upward still direct, whence no way round 

Shadow from body opaque can fall ; and the air, 

Nowhere so clear, sharpened his visual ray 

To objects distant far, whereby he soon 

Saw within ken a glorious angel stand, 

The same whom John saw also in the sun : 

His back was turned, but not his brightness hid ; 

Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar 

Circled his head, nor less his locks behind 

Illustrious on his shoulders, fledge with wings. 

Lay waving round ; on some great charge employed 

He seemed, or fixed in cogitation deep. 

Glad was the spirit impure, as now in hope 

To find who might direct his wandering flight 

To Paradise, the happy seat of man. 

His journey's end, and our beginning woe. 

But first he casts to change his proper shape. 

Which else might work him danger or delay : 

And now a stripling cherub he appears, 

Not of the prime, yet such as in his face 

Youth smiled celestial, and to every limb 

Suitable grace diffused, so well he feigned : 

Under a coronet his flowing hair 

In curls on either cheek played ; wing he wore 

Of many a coloured plume, sprinkled with gold; 

His habit fit for speed succinct, and held 

Before his decent steps a silver wand. 

He drew not nigh unheard ; the angel bright. 

Ere he drew high, his radiant visage turned. 

Admonished by his ear, and straiglit was known 

The archangel Uriel, one of the seven 

Who in God's presence, nearest to his throne. 

Stand ready at command, and are his eyes 



80 PARADISE LOST. 

That run throus^h all the Heavens, or down to the earth 
Bear his swift errands, over moist and dry, 
O'er sea and land : him Satan thus accosts : 

" Uriel, for thou of those seven spirits that stand 
In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright, 
The first art wont his great authentic will 
Interpreter through highest Heaven to bring, 
Where all his sons thy embassy attend ; 
And here art likeliest by supreme decree 
Like honour to obtain, and, as his eye 
To visit oft this new creation round ; 
Unspeakable desire to see, and know 
All these his wondrous works, but chiefly man, 
His chief delight and favour, him for whom 
All these his works so wondrous he ordained. 
Hath brought me from the quires of cherubim 
Alone thus wandering. Brightest seraph, tell 
In which of all these shining orbs hath man 
His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none, 
But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell; 
That I may find him, and with secret gaze 
Or open admiration him behold. 
On whom the great Creator hath bestowed 
Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces poured; 
That both in him and all things, as is meet, 
The universal Maker we may praise, 
Who justly hath driven out his rebel foes 
To deepest hell, and to repair that loss 
Created this new happy race of men 
To serve him better : wise are all his ways." 

So spake the false dissembler unperceived ; 
For neither man nor angel can discern 
Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks 
Invisible, except to God alone. 
By his permissive will, through Heaven and earth : 
And oft, though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps 
At wisdom's gate, and to simplicity 
Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill 
Where no ill seems : which now for once beguiled 
Uriel, though regent of the sun, and held 



PARADISE LOST. 81 

The sharpest-sighted spirit of all in Heaven ; 

Who to the fraudulent impostor foul 

In his uprightness answer thus returned : 

" Fair angel, thy desire, which tends to know 
The works of God, thereby to glorify 
The great Work-Master, leads to no excess 
That reaches blame, but rather merits praise 
The more it seems excess, that led thee hither 
From thy empjTcal mansion thus alone, 
To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps. 
Contented with report, hear only in Heaven : 
For wonderful indeed are all his w^orks. 
Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all 
Had in remembrance always with delight ; 
But what created mind can comprehend 
Their number, or the Avisdoni infinite 
That brought them forth, but hid their causes deep ? 
I saw when at his word the formless mass, 
This world's material mould, came to a heap : 
Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar 
Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined ; 
Till at his second bidding darkness fled, 
Light shone, and order from disorder sprung: 
Swift to their several quarters hasted then 
The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire ; 
And this ethereal quintessence of Heaven 
Flew upward, spirited with various forms, 
That rolled orbicular, and turned to stars 
Mumberless, as thou seest, and how they move; 
Each had liis place appointed, each his course ; 
The rest in circuit walls tliis universe. 
Look downward on that globe, whose hither side 
With light from hence, though but reflected, shines ; 
That place is earth, the seat of man ; that light 
His day, which else, as the other hemisphere, 
Night would invade ; but there the neighbouring moon 
(So call that opposite fair star) her aid 
Timely interposes, and her monthly round 
Still ending, still renewing, through mid Heaven, 
With borrowed light her countenance triform 



82 PARADISE LOST. 

Hence fills and empties to enlighten the earth, 
And in her pale dominion checks the night. 
That spot to which I point is Paradise, 
Adam's abode, those lofty shades his bower. 
Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires." 
Thus said, he turned ; and Satan, bowing low, 
As to superior spirits is wont in Heaven, 
Where honour due and reverence none neglects, 
l^ook leave, and toward the coast of earth beneath, 
Down from the ecliptic, sped with hoped success, 
Throws his steep flight in many an airy wheel, 
Nor stayed, till on Niphates' top he lights. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK IV. 



THE ARGUMENT. 



Satan, now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place where he must new 
attempt the bold enterprise which lie undertook alone against God and 
man, falls into many doubts witli himself, and many passions, fear, 
envy, and despair ; but at lengtli confirms himself in evil, journeys ou 
to Paradise, whose outward ])r()spects and situation is described, over- 
leaps the bounds, sits in the shape of a cormorant on the tree of life, as 
the highest in the garden, to look about him. The garden described ; 
Satan's first sight of Adam and Eve ; his wonder at their excellent form and 
happy state, but with resolution to work their fall ; overhears their dis- 
course, thence gathers tliat the tree of knowledge was forbidden them to 
eat of, under penalty of death ; and thereon intends to found his tempta- 
tion, by seducing them to transgress ; then leaves them awhile, to know 
further of their state by some otlier means. Meanwhile, Uriel, descend- 
ing on a sunbeaui, wains Gabriel, who had in charge the gate of Para- 
dise, that some evil spirit had escaped the deep, and passed at noon by 
his sphere in the shape of a good angel down to Paradise, discovered 
after by liis furious gestures in the mount Gabriel promises to find him 
ere morning. Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of going to 
their rest: "their bower described; their evening, worship. Gabriel 
drawing forth his bands of night-watch to walk the rounds of Paradise, 
appoints two strong angels to Adam's bower, lest the evil spirit should 
be there doing some harm to Adam or Eve sleeping ; there they find 
him at the ear of Eve, tempting her in a dream, and bring him, though 
unwilling, to Gabriel ; by whom questioned, he scornfully answers, pre- 
pares resistance, but, hindered by a sign from Heaven, files out of Par- 
adise. 

Oh for that warning voice, which he who saw 
The Apocalypse, heard cry in Heaven aloud, 
Then when the dragon, put to second rout, 
Came furious down to be revenged on men, 
" Woe to the inhabitants on earth ! " that now, 
While time was, our first parents had been warned 
The coming of their secret foe, and 'scaped, 
Haply so 'scaped his mortal snare : for now 
Satan, now lirst inflamed with rage, came down, 



84 PARADISE LOST. 

The tempter ere the accuser of mankind, 
To wreak on innocent frail man his loss 
Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell : 
Yet not rejoicing in his speed, though bold 
Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast, 
Begins his dire attempt ; which, nigh the birth, 
Now rolling boils in his tumultuous breast, 
And like a devilish engine back recoils 
Upon himself ; horror and doivbt distract 
His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir 
The Hell within him ; for within him Hell 
He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell 
One step no more than from himself can fly- 
By change of place ; now conscience wakes despair 
That slumbered, wakes the bitter memory 
Of what he was, what is, and what must be 
Worse ; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue. 
Sometimes towards Eden, which now in his view 
Lay pleasant, his grieved look he fixes sad ; 
Sometimes towards Heaven, and the full blazing sun. 
Which now sat high in his meridian tower: 
Then much revolving, thus in sighs began : 

" O thou, that, with surpassing glory crowned, 
Look'st from thy sole dominion, like the god 
Of this new world ; at whose sight all the stars 
Hide their diminished heads ; to thee I call. 
But with no friendly voice, and add thy name, 

sun ! to tell thee how I hate thy beams, 
That bring to my remembrance from what state 

1 fell, how glorious once above thy sphere ; 
Till pride and worse ambition threw me down. 
Warring in Heaven against Heaven's matchless King ; 
Ah, wherefore ? He deserved no such return 

From me, whom he created what I was 
In that bright eminence, and with his good 
Upbraided none ; nor was his service hard. 
What could be less than to afford him praise. 
The easiest recompense, and pay him thanks? 
How due ! yet all his good proved ill in me, 
And wrought but n.alice ; lifted up so high 



PAEADISE LOST. 85 

I sdeined subjection, and thought one step higher 
Would set me highest, and in a moment quit 
The debt immense of endless gratitude, 
So burdensome still paying, still to owe. 
Forgetful what from him I still received ; 
And understood not that a grateful mind 
By owing owes not, but still pays, at once 
Indebted and discharged ; what burden then ? 
Oh, had his powerful destiny ordained 
Me some inferior angel, I had stood 
Then happy ; no unbounded hope had raised 
Ambition. Yet why not? some other power 
As great might have aspired, and me, though mean, 
Drawn to his part ; but other powers as great 
Fell not, but stand unshaken, from within 
Or from without, to all temptations armed. 
Hadst thou the same free will and power to stand? 
Thou hadst : whom hast thou then or what to accuse^ 
But Heaven's free love dealt equally to all ? 
Be then his love accursed, since love or hate, 
To me alike, it deals eternal woe. 
Nay, cursed be thou ; since against his thy will 
Chose freely what it now so justly rues. 
Me miserable ! which way shall I fly- 
Infinite wrath and infinite despair? 
Which way I fly is Hell ; myself am Hell; 
And in the lowest deep a lower deep 
Still threatening to devour me opens wide, 
To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heaven. 
Oh, then at last relent : is there no place 
Left for repentance, none for pardon left ? 
None left but by submission ; and that word 
Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame 
Among the spirits beneath, whom I seduced 
With other promises and other vaunts 
Than to submit, boasting I could subdue 
The Omnipotent. Ay me ! they little know 
How dearly I abide that boast so vain. 
Under what torments inwardly I groan. 
While they adore me on the throne of Hell. 



86 PARADISE LOST. 

With diadem and sceptre high advanced, 

The lower still I fall, only supreme 

In misery ; such joy ambition finds. 

But say I could repent, and could obtain 

By act of grace my former state ; how soon 

Would height recall high thoughts, how soon unsay 

What feigned submission swore ! ease would recant 

Vows made in pain, as violent ar_d void. 

For never can true reconcilement grow 

Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep 

Which would but lead me to a worse relapse 

And heavier fall : so should I purchase dear 

Short intermission, bought with double smart. 

This knows my punisher ; therefore as far 

From granting he, as I from begging peace : 

All hope excluded thus, behold instead 

Of us outcast, exiled, his new delight, 

Mankind created, and for him this world. 

So farewell hope, and with hope, farewell fear, 

Farewell remorse: all good to me is lost ; 

Evil, be thou my good ; by thee at least 

Divided empire with Heaven's King I hold, 

By thee, and more than half perhaps will reign ; 

As man ere long and this new world shall know." 

Thus while he spake, each passion dimmed his face, 
Thrice changed with pale ire, envy and despair; 
Which marred his borrowed visage, and betrayed 
Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld. 
For heavenly minds from such distempers foul 
Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware, 
Each perturbation smoothed with outward cabn. 
Artificer of fraud ; and was the first 
That practised falsehood under saintly show, 
Deep malice to conceal, couched with revenge ; 
Yet not enough had practised to deceive 
Uriel once warned; whose eye pursued him down 
The way he went, and on the Assyrian mount 
Saw him disfigured, more than could befall 
Spirit of happy sort : his gestures fierce 
He marked and mad demeanour, then alone, 



PAEADISE LOST. 87 

As he supposed, all unobserved, unseen. 

So on he fares, and to the border comes 

Ol Eden, where delicious Paradise, 

New nearer, crowns with her enclosure green, 

As with a rural mound, the champaign head 

Of a steep wilderness, whose hairy sides 

With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild, 

Access denied ; and overhead up grew 

Insuperable height of loftiest shade, 

Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm, 

A sylvan scene, and as the ranks ascend 

Shade above shade, a woody theatre 

Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops 

The verdurous wall of Paradise up-sprung : 

Which to our general sire gave prospect large 

Into his nether empire neighbouring round. 

And higher than that wall a circling row 

Of goodliest trees loaden with fairest fruit, 

Blossoms and fruits at once, of golden hue, 

Appeared, with gay enamelled colours mixed : 

On which the sun more glad impressed his beams 

Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow, 

When God hath showered the earth ; so lovely seemed 

That landscape ; and of pure, now" purer air 

Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires 

Vernal delight and joy, able to drive 

All sadness but despair : now gentle gales. 

Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense 

Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole 

Those balmy spoils. As when to them who sail 

Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past 

Mozambic, off at sea north-east winds blow 

Sabean odours from the spicy shore 

Of Araby the Blest ; with such delay 

Well pleased they slack their course, and many a league 

Cheered with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles : 

So entertained those odorous sweets the fiend 

Wlio came their bane, though with them better pleased 

Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume. 

That drove him, though enamoured, from the spouse 



88 PARADISE LOST. 

Of Tobit's sen, and with a vengeance sent 
From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound. 
Now to the ascent of that steep savage hill 
Satan had journeyed on, pensive and slow ; 
But further way found none, so thick entwined, 
As one continued brake, the undergrowth 
Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplexed 
All path of man or beast that passed that way: 
One gate there only was, and that looked east 
On the other side : which, when the arch-felon saWy 
Due entrance he disdained, and in contempt, 
At one slight bound high overleaped all bound 
Of hill or highest wall, and sheer within 
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf, 
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey, 
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve 
In hurdled cotes amid the field secure. 
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold : 
Or as a thief bent to unhoard the cash 
Of some rich burgher, whose substantial door, 
Cross-barred and bolted fast, fear no assault. 
In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles : 
So clomb this first grand thief into God's fold; 
So since into his church lewd hirelings climb. 
Thence up he flew, and on the tree of life. 
The middle tree and highest there that grew. 
Sat like a cormorant : yet not true life 
Thereby regained, but sat devising death 
To them who lived ; nor on the virtue thought 
Of that life-giving plant, but only used 
For prospect, what, well used, had been the pledge 
Of immortality. So little knows 
Any, but God alone, to value right 
The good before him, but perverts best things 
To worst abuse, or to their meanest use. 
Beneath him with new wonder now he views 
To all delight of human sense exposed 
In narrow room Nature's whole wealth, yea, moresi 
A Heaven on earth : for blissful Paradise 
Of God the garden was, by him in the east 



PABADISE LOST. 89 

Of Eden planted ; Eden stretched her line 

From Auran eastward to the royal towers 

Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian kings, 

Or where the sons of Eden long before 

Dwelt in Telassar : in this pleasant soil 

His far more pleasant garden God ordained ; 

Out of the fertile ground he caused to grow 

All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste ; 

And all amid them stood the tree of life, 

High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit 

Of vegetable gold ; and next to life, 

Our death, the tree of knowledge, grew fast by, 

Knowledge of good, bought dear by knowing ill. 

Southward through Eden went a river large, 

Nor changed his course, but through the shaggy hill 

Passed underneath engulfed ; for God had thrown 

That mountain as his garden mould high raised 

Upon the rapid current, which through veins 

Of porous earth with kindly thirst up-drawn, 

Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill 

Watered the garden ; thence united fell 

Down the steep glade, and met the nether flood, 

Which from his darksome passage now appears, 

And now divided into four main streams. 

Runs diverse, wandering many a famous realm 

And country, whereof here needs no account ; 

But rather to tell how, if art could tell. 

How from that sapphire fount the crisped brooks, 

Rolling on orient pearl and sands of gold, 

With mazy error under pendent shades 

Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed 

Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice art 

In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon 

Poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain, 

Both where the morning sun first warmly smote 

The open field, and where the unpierced shade 

Imbrowned the noontide bowers : thus was this place 

A happy rural seat of various view ; 

Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and palm, 

Others whose fruit burnished with golden rind, 



90 PARADISE LOST. 

Hung amiable (Hesperian fables true, 

If true, here only), and of delicious taste. 

Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks 

Grazing the tender herb, were interposed, 

Or palmy hillock ; or the flowery lap 

Of some irriguous valley spread her store, 

Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose : 

Another side, umbrageous grots and caves 

Of cool recess, o'er which the mantling vine 

Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps 

Luxuriant ; meanwhile murmuring waters fall 

Down the slope hills, dispersed, or in a lake. 

That to the fringed bank with myrtle crowned 

Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams. 

The birds their quire apply ; airs, vernal airs, 

Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune 

The trembling leaves, while universal Pan, 

Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance, 

Led on the eternal Spring. Not that fair field 

Of Enna, where Proserpine gathering flowers. 

Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis 

Was gathered, which cost Ceres all that pain 

Te seek her through the world ; nor that sweet grove 

Of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspired 

Castalian spring, might with the Paradise 

Of Eden strive ; nor that Nyseian isle 

Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, 

Whom Gentiles Ammon call, and Lybian Jove, 

Hid Amalthea and her florid son, 

Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea's eye ; 

Nor where Abassin kings their issue guard. 

Mount Amara, though this by some supposed 

True Paradise, under the Ethiop line. 

By Nilus' head, enclosed with shining rock, 

A whole day's journey high, but wide remote 

From this Assyrian garden, where the fiend 

Saw undelighted all delight, all kind 

Of living creatures, new to sight, and strange. 

Two of far nobler shade, erect and tall, 

Godlike erect, with native honour clad, 



PARADISE LOST. 91 

In naked majesty, seemed lords of all, 

And worthy seemed ; for in their looks divine 

The image of their glorious Maker shone ; 

Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure 

(Severe, but in true filial freedom placed), 

Whence true authority in men ; though both 

Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed ; 

For contemplation he and valour formed ; 

P^'or softness she, and sweet attractive grace ; 

He for God only, she for God in him : 

His fair large front, and eye sublime, declared 

Absolute rule ; and hyacinthine locks 

Round from his parted forelock manly hung 

Clustering, but not beneath his shoulders broad : 

She, as a veil, down to the slender waist 

Her unadorned golden tresses wore 

Dishevelled, but in wanton ringlets waved, 

As the vine curls her tendrils, which implied 

Subjection, but inquired with gently sway, 

And by her yielded, by him best received, 

Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, 

And sweet, reluctant, amorous delay. 

Nor those mysterious parts were then concealed; 

Then was not guilty shame : dishonest shame 

Of nature's works, honour dishonourable, 

Sin-bred, how have ye troubled all mankind 

With shows instead, mere shows of seeming pure, 

And banished from man's life his happiest life, 

Simplicity and spotless innocence ! 

So passed they naked on, nor shunned 

The sight of God or angel, for they thought no ill : 

So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair 

That ever since in love's embraces met ; 

Adam, the goodliest man of men since born, 

His sons ; the fairest of her daughters Eve. 

Under a tuft of shade that on a green 

Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain side 

They sat them down ; and, after no more toil 

Of their sweet gardening labour than sufficed 

To recommend cool zephyr, and made ease 



92 PARADISE LOST. 

More easy, wholesome thirst and appetite 
More grateful, to their supper fruits they fell ; 
Nectarine fruits, which the compliant boughs 
Yielded them ; sidelong as they sat recline 
On the soft downy bank damasked with flowers: 
The savory pulp they chew, and in the rind 
Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream : 
Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles 
Wanted, nor youthful dalliance as beseems 
Fair couple, linked in happy nuptial league, 
Alone as they. About them frisking played 
All beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase 
In wood or wilderness, forest or den ; 
Sporting the lion ramped, and in his paw 
Dandled the kid ; bears, tigers, ounces, pards, 
Gambolled before them ; the unwieldy elephant, 
To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreathed 
His lithe proboscis ; close the serpent sly 
Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine 
His braided train, and of his fatal guile 
Gave proof unheeded ; others on the grass 
Couched, and now filled with pasture gazing sat, 
Or bedward ruminating ; for the sun, 
Declined, was hastening now with prone career 
To the ocean isles, and in the ascending scale 
Of Heaven, the stars that usher evening rose : 
When Satan, still in gaze, as first he stood. 
Scarce thus at length failed speech recovered sad : 
" O Hell ! what do mine eyes with grief behold I 
Into our room of bliss thus high advanced 
Creatures of other mould, earth-born, perhaps, 
Not spirits, yet to heavenly spirits bright 
Little inferior ; whom my thou^its pursue 
With wonder, and could love, so lively shines 
In them divine resemblance, and such grace 
The hand that formed them on their shape hath poured* 
Ah ! gentle pair, ye little think how nigh 
Your change approaches, when all these delights 
Will vanish, and deliver ye to woe. 
More woe, the more your taste is now of joy ; 



PARADISE LOST. 

Happy, but for so happy ill secured 

Long to continue, and this high seat, your heaven, 

111 fenced for Heaven to keep out such a foe 

As now is entered; yet no purposed foe 

To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn, 

Though I unpitied : league with you I seek, 

And mutual amity so straight, so close. 

That I with you must dwell, or you with me 

Henceforth : my dwelling haply may not please. 

Like this fair Paradise, your sense ; yet such 

Accept your Maker's work ; he gave it me, 

Which I as ireely give : Hell shall unfold 

To entertain you two, her widest gates, 

And s«nd forth all her kings ; there will be room 

Not like these narrow limits, to receive 

Your numerous offspring ; if no better place, 

Thank him who puts me loth to this revenge 

On you who wrong me not for him who wronged. 

And should I at your harmless innocence 

Melt, as I do, yet public reason just. 

Honour and empire, with revenge enlarged, 

By conquering this new world, compels me now 

To do what else, though damned, I should abhor." 

So spake the fiend, and with necessity. 
The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deeds. 
Then from his lofty stand on that high tree 
Down he alights among the sportful herd 
Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one, 
Now other, as their shape served best his end 
Nearer to view his prey, and unespied 
To mark what of their state he more might learn 
By word or action marked : about them round 
A lion now he stalks with fiery glare ; 
Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied 
In some purlieu two gentle fawns at play, 
Straight couches close, then rising, changes oft 
His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground, 
Whence rushing he might surest seize them both. 
Griped in each paw ; when Adam, first of men. 
To first of women, Eve, thus moving speech, 



94 PARADISE LOST. 

Turned him, all ear to hear new utterance flow : 
" Sole partner, and sole part of all these joys. 

Dearer thyself than all ; needs must the Power 

That made us, and for us this ample world, 

Be infinitely good, and of his good 

As liberal, and free as infinite ; 

That raised us from the dust, and placed us here 

In all this happiness, who at his hand 

Have nothing merited, nor can perform 

Aught whereof he hath need, he who requires 

From us no other service than to keep 

This one, this easy charge, of all the trees 

In Paradise that bear delicious fruit 

So various, not to taste that only tree 

Of knowledge, planted by the tree of life ; 

So near grows death to life, what'er death is. 

Some dreadful thing, no doubt ; for well thou knowest 

God hath pronounced it death to taste that tree, 

The only sign of our obedience left 

Among so many signs of power and rule 

Conferr'd upon us, and dominion given 

Over all other creatures that possess 

Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard 

One easy prohibition, who enjoy 

Free leave so large to all things else, and choice 

Unlimited of manifold delights : 

But let us ever praise him, and extol 

His bounty, following our delightful task, 

To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers, 

Wliieh were it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet." 
To whom thus Eve replied : " O thou, for whom 

And from whom I was formed, flesh of thy flesh, 

And without whom am to no end, my guide 

And head, what thou hast said is just and right. 

For we to him indeed all praises owe. 

And daily thanks; I chiefly, who enjoy 

So far the liapjuer lot, enjoying the 

Pre-eminent by so much odds, while thou 

Like consort to thyself canst no where find. 

That day I oft remember, wlien from sleep 



PARADISE LOST. 95 

I first awaked, and found myself reposed 

Under a shade on flowers, much wondering where 

And what I was, whence thither brought, and how. 

Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound 

Of waters issued from a cave, and spread 

Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved 

Pure as the expanse of Heaven ; I thither went 

With unexperienced thought, and laid me down 

On the green bank, to look into the clear 

Smooth lake, that to me seemed another sky. 

As I bent down to look, just opposite 

A shape within the watery gleam appeared, 

Bending to look on me ; I started back, 

It stai'ted back ; but pleased I soon returned, 

Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks 

Of sympathy and love ; there I had fixed 

Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire, 

Had not a voice thus warned me : * What thou seest, 

What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself ; 

With thee it came and goes ; but follow me, 

And I will bring thee where no shadow stays 

Thy coming, and thy soft embraces, he 

Whose image thou art ; him thou shalt enjoy 

Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear 

Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called 

Mother of human race.' What could I do. 

But follow straight, invisibly thus led ? 

Till I espied thee, fair indeed, and tall. 

Under a plantain ; yet methought less fair. 

Less winning soft, less amiably mild. 

Than that smooth watery image ; back I turned ; 

Thou following criedst aloud, ' Return, fair Eve, 

Whom fliest thou ? whom thou fliest, of him thou art, 

His flesh, his bone ; to give thee being I lent 

Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart, 

Substantial life, to have thee by my side 

Henceforth an individual solace dear; 

Part of my soul, I seek thee, and thee claim 

My other half.' With that thy gentle hand 

Seized mine ; I yielded, and from that time see 



96 PARADISE LOST. 

How beauty is excelled by manly grace, 
And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.'' 

So spake our general mother, and with eyes 
Of conjugal attraction un reproved. 
And meek surrender, half-embracing leaned 
On our first father ; half her swelling breast 
Naked met his under the flowing gold 
Of her loose tresses hid : he in delight 
Both of her beauty aud submissive charms, 
Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter 
On Juno smiles, when he irapregns the clouds 
That shed May flowers ; and pressed her matron lip 
With kisses pure : aside the devil turned 
For envy, yet with jealous leer malign 
Eyed them askance, and to himself thus 'plained : 

" Sight hateful, sight tormenting ! thus these two, 
Imparadised in one another's arms. 
The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill 
Of bliss on bliss ; while I to Hell am thrust, 
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, 
Among our other torments not the least. 
Still unfulfilled with pain of longing pines. 
Tet let me not forget what I have gained 
From their own mouths ; all is not theirs, it seems; 
One fatal tree there stands, of knowledge called, 
Forbidden them to taste : knowledge forbiden ? 
Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord 
Envy them that ? Can it be sin to know ? 
Can it be death ? And do they only stand 
By ignorance ?_^Is that their happy state. 
The proof of their obedience and their faith ? 
O, fair foundation laid whereon to build 
Their ruin ! Hence I will excite their minds 
With more desire to know, and to reject 
Envious commands, invented with design 
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt 
Equal with gods : aspiring to be such. 
They tast and die : what likelier can ensue ? 
But first with narrow search I must walk round 
This garden, and no corner leave unspied ; 

6 



PAEADISE LOST. 97 

A chance but chance may lead where 1 may meet 

Some wandering spirit of Heaven by Luntain side, 

Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw 

What further would be learned. Live while ye may, 

Yet happy pair ; enjoy, till I return, 

Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed." 

So saying, his proud step he scornful turned, 
But with sly circumspection, and began 
Through wood, through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale, his roam. 
Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where Heaven 
With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun 
Slowly descended, and with right aspect 
Against the eastern gate of Paradise 
Levelled his evening rays : it was a rock 
Of alabaster, piled up to the clouds, 
Conspicuous far, winding with one ascent 
Accessible from earth, one entrance high ; 
The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung 
Still as it rose, impossible to climb. 
Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat, 
Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night ; 
About him exercised heroic games 
The unarmed youth of Heaven, but, nigh at hand. 
Celestial armoury, shields, helms, and spears. 
Hung high with diamond flaming, and with gold. 
Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even 
On a sunbeam, swift as a shooting star 
In autumn thwarts the night, when vapours fired 
Impress the air, and shows the mariner 
From what point of his compass to beware 
Impetuous winds : he thus began in haste : 

" Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot hath given 
Charge and strict watch, that to this happy place 
No evil thing approach or enter in. 
This day at height of noon came to my sphere 
A spirt, zealous, as he seemed, to know 
More of the Almighty's works, and chiefly man, 
God's latest image : I described his way 
Bent all on S[)eed, and marked liis airy gait ; 
But in the mount that lies from Eden north, 

7 



98 PARADISE LOST. 

Where he first lighted, soon discerned his looks 
Alien from Heaven, with ])assions foal obscured: 
Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade 
Lost sight of him : one of the banished crew, 
I fear, hath ventured from the deep, to raise 
New troubles ; him thy care must be to find." 

To whom the winged warrior thus returned : 
" Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight. 
Amid the sun's bright circle where thou sitt'st, 
See far and wide : in at this gate none pass 
The vigilance here placed, but such as come 
Well known from Heaven ; and since meridian hour 
No creature thence : if spirit of other sort. 
So minded, have o'erleaped these earthy bounds 
On purpose, hard thou knowest it to exclude 
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. 
But if within the circuit of these walks, 
In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom 
Thou tell'st, by morrow dawning I shall know." 

So promised he ; and Uriel to his charge 
Returned on that bright beam, whose point now raised 
Bore him slope downward to the sun, now fallen 
Beneath the Azores ; whether the prime orb, 
Incredible how swift, had thither rolled 
Diurnal, or this less volubil earth. 
By shorter flight to the east, had left him there 
Arraying with reflected purple and gold 
The clouds that on his western throne attend. 

Now came still evening on, and twilight gray 
Had in her sober livery all things clad ; 
Silence accompanied; for beast and bird. 
They to their grassy couch, these to their nests 
Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale ; 
She all night long her amorous descant sung ; 
Silence was pleased : now glowed the firmament 
With living sapphires : Hesperus, that led 
The starry host, rode brightest, till the moon, 
Rising in clouded majesty, at length. 
Apparent queen, unveiled her peerless light, 
And o'er the dark her silver mantle th^ew. 



PARADISE LOST. 99 

When Adam thus to Eve : " Fair consort, the hour 
Of night, and all things now retired to rest, 
Mind us of light repose ; since God hath set 
Labour and rest, as day and night, to men 
Successive ; and the timely dcAv of sleep, 
Now falling with soft slumbrous weight, inclines 
Our eyelids: other creatures all day long 
Rove idle unemployed, and less need rest ; 
Man hath his daily work of body or mind 
Appointed, which declares his dignity. 
And the regard of Heaven on all his ways; 
Wliile other animals inactive range, 
And of their doings God takes no account. 
To-morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east 
With first approach of light, we must be risen, 
And at our pleasant labour, to reform 
Yon flowery arbours, yonder alleys green, 
Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown, 
That mock our scant manuring, and require 
More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth : 
Those blossoms also, and those drooping gums, 
That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth. 
Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease; 
Meanwhile, as nature wills, night bids us rest." 

To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty adorned : 
" My author and disposer, what thou bidd'st 
Unargued I obey; so God ordains; 
God is thy law, thou mine : to know no more 
Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise. 
With thee conversing I forget all time ; 
All seasons and their change, all please alike. 
Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet. 
With charm of earliest birds ; pleasant the sun, 
When first on this delightful land he spreads 
His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower, 
Glistering with dew ; fragrant the fertile earth 
After soft showers ; and sweet the coming on 
Of grateful evening mild ; then silent night 
With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon, 
And these the gems of Heaven, her starry train : 



100 PARADISE LOST. 

But neither breath of morn, when she ascends 

With charm of earliest birds ; nor rising sun 

On this delightful land ; nor herb, fruit, flower, 

Glistering with dew ; nor fragrance after showers ; 

Nor grateful evening mild ; nor silent night 

With this her solemn bird ; nor w^alk by moon, 

Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet. 

But wherefore all night long shine these? For whom 

This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes ? *' 

To whom our general ancestor replied : 
" Daughter of God and man, accomplished Eve, 
These have their course to finish round the earth, 
By morrow evening, and from land to land 
In order, though to nations yet unborn, 
Ministering light prepared, they set and rise; 
Lest total darkness should by night regain 
Her old possession, and extinguish life 
In nature and all things, which these soft fires 
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat 
Of various influence foment and warm. 
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down 
Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow 
On earth, made hereby apter to receive 
Perfection from the sun's more potent ray. 
These, then, though unbeheld in deep of night, 
Shine not in vain ; nor think, though men were none, 
That Heaven would want spectators, God want praise : 
Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth 
Unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep : 
All these with ceaseless praise his works behold 
Both day and night. How often from the steep 
Of echoing hill or thicket have we heard 
Celestial voices to the midnight air. 
Sole, or responsive each to other's note, 
Singing their great Creator ! Oft in bands 
While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk. 
With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds 
In full harmonic number joined, their songs 
Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to Heaven.** 

Thus talking, hand in hand alone they passed 



PARADISE LOST. 101 

On to their blissful bower ; it was a place 

Chosen by the sovereign Planter, when he framed 

All things to man's delightful use ; the roof 

Of thickest covert was inwoven shade 

Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew 

Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side 

Acanth'is, and each odorous bushy shrub, 

Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower ; 

Iris all hues, roses, and jessamine. 

Reared high their flourished heads between, and wrought 

Mosaic ; underfoot the voilet. 

Crocus, and hyacinth with rich inlay 

Broidered the ground, more coloured than with stone 

Of costliest emblem : other creature here, 

Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none : 

Such was their awe of man. In shadier bower, 

More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned. 

Fan or Sylvanus never slept, nor nymph 

Nor faun us haunted. Here in close recess, 

With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs, 

Espoused Eve decked first her nuptial bed, 

And heavenly quires the hymenaean sung, 

What day the genial angel to our sire 

Brought her in naked beauty more adorned. 

More lovely than Pandora, whom the gods 

Endowed with all their gifts, and oh ! too like 

In sad event, when to the unwiser son 

Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnared 

Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged 

On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire. 

Thus at their shady lodge arrived, both stood, 
Both turned, and under open sky adored 
The God that made both sky, air, earth, and heaven, 
Which they beheld ; the moon's resplendent globe. 
And starry pole : " Thou also madest the night, 
Maker Omnipotent, and thou the day. 
Which we in our appointed work employed 
Have finished, happy in our mutual help 
And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss, 
Ordained by thee, and this delicious place, 



102 PARADISE LOST. 

For us too large, where thy abundance wauts 
Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground. 
But thou hast promised from us two a race 
To fill the earth, who shall with us extol 
Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake, 
And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep." 

This said unanimous, and other rites 
Observing none, but adoration pure. 
Which God likes best, into their inmost bower, 
Handed they went ; and, eased the putting off 
These troublesome disguises which we wear. 
Straight side by side were laid ; nor turned, I ween, 
Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites 
Mysterious of connubial love refused ; 
Whatever hypocrites austerely talk 
Of purity, and place, and innocence, 
Defaming as impure what God declares 
Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all. 
Our Maker bids increase ; who bids abstain 
But our destoyer, foe to God and man ? 
Hail, wedded love ! mysterious law, true source 
Of human offspring, sole propriety 
In Paradise of all things common else. 
By thee adulterous lust was driven from men 
Among the bestial herds to range ; by thee, 
Founded in reason, loyal, just and pure, 
Relations dear, and all the charities 
Of father, son, and brother first were known. 
Far be it that I should write thee sin or blame, 
Or think thee unbefitting holiest place ; 
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets. 
Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced. 
Present, past, as saints and patriarchs used. 
Here love his golden shafts employs, here lights 
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings. 
Reigns here and revels ; not in the bought smile 
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared. 
Casual fruition ; nor in court amours, 
Mixed dance, or wanton mask, midnight ball. 
Or serenade, which the starved lover sings 



PARADISE LOST. 103 

To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain. 
These, lulled by nightingales, embracing slept, 
And on their naked limbs the flowery roof 
Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on, 
Blest pair ; and oh ! yet happiest, if ye seek 
No happier state, and know to know no more. 

Now had night measured with her shadowy cone 
Halfway up-hill this vast sublunar vault, 
And from their ivory port the cherubim, 
Forth issuing at the accustomed hour, stood armed 
To their night watches in warlike parade. 
When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake : 

" Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the south 
With strictest watch ; these other wheel the north ; 
Our circuit meets full west." As flame they part, 
Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. 
From these, two strong and subtle spirits he called, 
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge : 

" Ithuriel and Zephon, with winged speed 
Search through this garden ; leave un searched no nook ; 
But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge, 
Now laid, perhaps, asleep, secure of harm. 
This evening from the sun's decline arrived 
Who tells of some infernal spirit seen 
Hitherward bent (who could have thought?) fescaped 
The bars of Hell, on errand bad no doubt : 
Such where ye find, seize fast, and hither bring." 

So saying, on he led his radiant files. 
Dazzling the moon : these to the bower direct 
In search of whom they sought ; him there they found 
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve, 
Assaying by his devilish art to reach 
The organs of her fancy, and with them forge 
Illusions as he list, phantasms and dreams, 
Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint 
The animal spirits that from pure blood arise 
Like gentle breaths from rivers pure, thence raise 
At least distempered, discontented thoughts. 
Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires. 
Blown up with high conceits engendering pride. 



104 PARADISE LOST. 

Him thus intent, Ithuriel with his spear 
Touched lightly ; for no falsehood can endure 
Touch of celestial temper, but returns 
Of force to its own likeness : up he starts, 
Discovered and surprised. As when a spark 
Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid 
Fit for the tun some magazine to store 
Against a rumored war, the smutty grain, 
With sudden blaze diffused, inflames the air : 
So started up in his own shape the fiend. 
Back stepped those two fair angels, half amazed 
So sudden to behold the grisly king ; 
Yet thus, unmoved with fear, accost him soon : 

" Which of those rebel spirits adjudged to Hell 
Comest thou, escaped thy prison ? and, transformed, 
Why satt'st thou like an enemy in wait, 
Here watching at the head of these that sleep ? " 

" Know ye not then," said Satan, filled with scorn, 
" Know ye not me ? Ye knew me once no mate 
For yoa, there sitting where ye durst not soar : 
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown, 
The lowest of your throng; or if ye know, 
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin 
Your message, like to end as much in vain ? " 

To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn 
" Think not, revolted spirit, thy shape the same. 
Or undiminished brightness to be known, 
As when thou stood'st in Heaven, upright and pure ; 
I'hat glory then, when thou no more wast good, 
Departed from thee ; and thou resemblest now 
Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foul. 
But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give account 
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep 
This place inviolable, and these from harm." 

So spake the cherub ; and his grave rebuke. 
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 
Invincible : abashed the devil stood. 
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw 
Virtue in her shape how lovely ; saw, and pined 
His loss ; but chiefly to find here observed 



PAEADTSE LOST. 106 

His lustre visibly impaired ; yet seemed 
Undaunted. "If I must contend," said he, 
" Best with the best, the sender, not the sent, 
Or all at once ; more glory will be won, 
Or less be lost." " Tliy fear," said Zephon bold, 
" Will save us trial what the least can do 
Single against thee wicked, and thence weak." 

The fiend replied not, overcome with rage ; 
But, like a proud steed reined, went haughty on. 
Champing his iron curb : to strive or fly 
He held it vain : awe from above had quelled 
His heart, not else dismayed. TsTow drew they nigli 
The western point, where those half-rounding guards 
Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined, 
Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, 
Gabriel, from the front thus called aloud : 

" O friends ! I hear the tread of nimble feet 
Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern 
Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade, 
And with them comes a third of regal port. 
But faded splendor wan ; who, by his gait 
And fierce demeanour, seems the prince of Hell, 
Not likely to part hence without contest ; 
Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours." 

He scarce had ended, when these two approached. 
And brief related whom they brought, where found. 
How busied, in what form and posture couched. 

To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake : 
" Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribed 
To thy transgressions, and disturbed the charge 
Of others, who approve not to transgress 
By thy example, but have power and right 
To question thy bold entrance on this place ; 
Employed, it seems, to violate sleep, and those 
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?" 

To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow : 
" Gabriel, thou hadst in Heaven the esteem of wise. 
And such I held thee ; but this question asked 
Puts me in doubt. Lives tliere who loves his pain ? 
Who would not, finding way, break loose from HeU, 



106 PARADISE LOST. 

Though thither doomed ? Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt. 

And boldly venture to whatever place 

Farthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to change 

Torment with ease, and soonest recompense 

Dole with delight, which in this place I sought ; 

To thee no reason, who know'st only good, 

But evil hast not tried ; and wilt object 

His will who bound us ? Let him surer bar 

His iron gates, if he intends our stay 

In that dark durance : tlius much what was asked. 

The rest is true, they found me where they say; 

But that implies not violence or harm." 

Thus he in scorn. The warlike angel moved, 
Disdainfully half smiling, thus replied : 
" O loss of one in Heaven, to judge of wise, 
Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew. 
And now returns him from his prison 'scaped, 
Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise 
Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither 
Unlicensed from his bounds in Hell prescribed; 
So wise he judges it to fly from pain 
However, and to 'scape his punishment. 
So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrath, 
Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight 
Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell, 
Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain 
Can equal anger infinite provoked. 
But wherefore thou alone? Wherefore w4th thee 
Came not all Hell broke loose? Is pain to them 
Less pain, less to be fled ; or thou than they 
Less hardy to endure ? Courageous chief ! 
The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleged 
To thy deserted host this cause of flight, 
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive." 

To which the fiend thus answered, frowning stem ; 
" Not that I less endure or shrink from pain, 
Insulting angel ; well thou know'st I stood 
Thy fiercest, w^hen in battle to thy aid 
The blasting volleyed tluinder made all speed. 
And seconded thy else not dreaded spear. 



PAEADISt: LOST. 107 

But still thy words at random, as before, 

Argue thy inexperience what behoves 

From hard assays and ill successes past, 

A faithful leader, not to hazard all 

Through ways of danger by himself untried ; 

I, therefore, I alone first undertook 

To wing the desolate abyss, and spy 

This new created world, whereof in Hell 

Fame is not silent, here in hope to find 

Better abode, and my afflicted powers 

To settle here on earth, or in mid air ; 

Though for possession put to try once more 

What thou and thy gay legions dare against ; 

Whose easier business were to serve their Lord 

High up in Heaven, with songs to hymn his throne, 

And practised distances to cringe, not fight." 

To whom the warrior angel soon replied : 
" To say and straight unsay, pretending first 
Wise to fly pain, professing next the spy, 
Argues no leader, but a liar traced, 
Satan, and couldst thou faithful add ? O name, 
O sacred name of faithfulness profaned ! 
Faithful to whom ? to thy rebellious crew ? 
Army of fiends, fit body to fit head. 
Was this your discipline and faith engaged. 
Your military obedience, to dissolve 
Allegiance to the acknowledged power supreme ? 
And thou, sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem 
Patron of liberty, who more than thou 
Once fawned, and crinii;ed, and servilely adored 
Heaven's awful monarch ? wherefore, but in hope 
To dispossess him, and thyself to reign ? 
But mark what I arreed thee now : Avaunt! 
Fly thither whence thou fled'st : if from this hour 
Within these hallowed limits thou appear. 
Back to the infernal pit I drag thee chained, 
And seal thee so, as henceforth not to scorn 
The facile gates of Hell, too slightly barred." 

So threatened he ; but Satan to no threats 
Gave heed, but waxing more in rage replied : 



108 PARADISE LOST. 

" Then when I am thy captive talk of chains, 
Frond limitary cherub ! But ere then 
Far heavier load thyself expect to feel 
From my prevailing arm, though Heaven's King 
Hide on thy wings, and thou, with tliy compeers, 
Used to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wheels 
In progress through the road of Heaven star-paved." 

While thus he spake, the angelic squadron bright 
Turned fiery red, sharpening in mooned horns 
Their plialanx, and began to hem him round 
AYith ported spears, as thick as when a field 
Of Ceres, ripe for harvest, waving bends 
Her bearded grove of ears, which way the wind 
Sways them ; the careful ploughman doubting stands, 
Lest on the threshing floor his hopeful sheaves 
Prove chaff. On the other side, Satan, alarmed, 
Collecting all his might, dilated stood, 
Like Teneriff or Atlas, unremoved : 
His stature reached the sky, and on his crest 
Sat horror plumed ; nor wanted in his grasp 
What seemed both spears and shield. Now dreadful 

deeds 
Might have ensued ; not only Paradise, 
In this commotion, bnt the starry cope 
Of Heaven, perhaps, or all the elements 
At least had gone to wrack, distnrbed and torn 
With violence of this conflict, had not soon 
The Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray, 
Hnng forth in Heaven his golden scales, yet seen 
Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion sign, 
Wherein all things created first he weighed, 
The pendulous round earth with balanced air 
In counterpoise ; now ponders all events. 
Battles and realms : in these he jnit two weights, 
The sequel each of parting and of fight ; 
The latter quick up flew, and kicked the beam, 
Which Gabriel spying, tlius bespake the fiend : 

" Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st mine, 
Neither our own, but given ; what folly, then, 
To boast what arms can do, since thine no more 



^AUADISE LOST. l0§ 

Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled how 

To trample thee as mire ! For proof look up, 

And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, 

Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how weak, 

If thou resist. The fiend looked up, and knew 

His mounted scale aloft : nor more ; but fled 

Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night. 



110 PAEADISE LOST. 



BOOK V. 

THE ABGXJMENT. 

Morniag ajjproached, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream; he 
likes it not, yet comforts her: they come forth to tlieir day labors: their 
morning- hymn at the door of their bower. God, to render man inexcus- 
able, sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, 
of his enemy near at hand, who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever 
else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise; his 
appearance described; his coming discerned by Adam afar off, sitting at 
the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, 
entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve; 
their discourse at table: Raphael performs his message, minds Adam 
of his state and of his enemy; relates, at Adam's request, who that 
enemy is, and how lie came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in 
Heaven, and the occasion tliereof ; how he drew his legions after him 
to the parts of the nortli, and there incited them to rebel with him, per- 
suading all but only Abdiel, a seraph, who iu argument dissuades ani 
opposes him, then forsakes him. 

Now morn her rosy steps in the eastern clime 

Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearly 

When Adam waked, so customed ; for his sleep 

Was airy light, from pure digestion bred. 

And temperate vapours bland, which the only sound 

Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, 

Liglitiy dispersed, and the shrill matin song 

Of birds on every bough ; so much the more 

His wonder was to find un wakened Eve 

With tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek, 

As through unquiet rest : he on his side 

Leaning, half raised, with looks of cordial love 

Hung over her enamoured, and beheld 

Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep, 

Shot forth peculiar graces ; then with voice 

Mild, as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, 

Her hand soft touching, whispered thus : " Awake, 



PARADISE LOST. 



HI 



My fairest, my espoused, my latest found. 
Heaven's last best gift, my ever-new delight. 
Awake ; the morning shines, and the fresh Held ' 

Calls us ; we lose the prime to mark how spring 
Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove, 
What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed, 
How nature paints her colours, how the bee 
Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet." 

Such whispering w^aked her, but with startled eye 
On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake : 

" O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, 
My glory, my perfection ! glad I see 
Thy face, and morn returned ; for I this night 
(Such night till this I never passed) have dreamed, 
If dreamed, not as I oft am wont, of thee. 
Works of day past, or morrow's next design, 
But of offence and trouble, which my mind 
Knew never till this irksome night : methought 
Close at mine ear one called me forth to walk. 
With gentle voice ; I thought it thine ; it said, 
' Why sleep'st thou. Eve ? Now is the pleasant time, 
The cool, the silent, save where silence yields 
To the night-warbling bird, that now awake 
Tunes sweetest his love-laboured song ; now reigns 
Full orbed the moon, and with more pleasing light 
Shadowy sets off the face of things ; in vain, 
If none regard ; Heaven wakes with all his eyes, 
Whom to behold but thee, nature's desire ? 
In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment 
Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.' 
I rose as at thy call, but found thee not ; 
To find thee I directed then my walk ; 
And on, methought, alone I passed through ways 
That brought me on a sudden to the tree 
Of interdicted knowledge : fair it seemed. 
Much fairer to my fancy than by day : 
And as I wondering looked, beside it stood 
One shaped and winged like one of those from Heaven 
By us oft seen ; his dewy locks distilled 
Ambrosia ; on that tree he also gazed; 



112 PARADISE LOST. 

And ' O fair plant,' said he, ' with fruit surcharged, 

Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet, 

^or God, nor man ? Is knowledge so despised? 

Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste? 

Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold 

Longer thy offered good : why else set here ? " 

This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm 

He plucked, he tasted ; me damp horror chilled 

At such bold words vouched with a deed so bold ; 

But he thus, overjoyed : " O fruit divine, 

Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropped ; 

Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit 

For gods, yet able to make gods of men : 

And why not gods of men, since good, the more 

Communicated, more abundant grows, 

The author not impaired, but honored more ? 

Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve, 

Partake thou also ; happy though thou art, 

Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be : 

Taste this, and be henceforth among the gods 

Thyself a goddess, not to earth confined, 

But sometimes in the air, as we ; sometimes 

Ascend to Heaven, by merit thine, and see 

What life the gods live there, and such live thou. 

So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held, 

Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part 

Which he had plucked ; the pleasant savory smell 

So quickened appetite, that I, methought. 

Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds 

With him I flew, and underneath beheld 

The earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide 

And various : wondering at my flight and change 

To this high exaltation, suddenly 

My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down, 

And fell asleep ; but oh, how glad I waked 

To find this but a dream ! " Thus Eve her night 

Related, and thus Adam answered sad : 

" Best image of myself, and dearer half, 
The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep 
Affects me equally ; nor can I like 



PARADISE LOST. 113 

This uncouth dream, of evil sprung, I fear ; 

Yet evil whence ? in thee can harbour none, 

Created pure. But know, that in the soul 

Are many lesser faculties, that serve 

Reason as chief ; among these, fancy next 

Her office holds ; of all external things, 

Which the five watchful senses represent, 

She forms imaginations, airy shapes, 

Which reason, joining or disjoining, frames 

All what we affirm or what deny, and call 

Our knowledge or opinion ; then retires 

Into her private cell when nature rests. 

Oft in her absence mimic fancy wakes 

To imitate her ; but, misjoining shapes, 

Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams, 

111 matching words and deeds long past or late. 

Some such resemblances methinks I find 

Of our last evening's talk, in this thy dream, 

But with addition strange ; yet be not sad : 

Evil into the mind of God or man 

May come and go, so unapproved, and leave 

No spot or blame behind : which gives me hope 

That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream. 

Waking thou never wilt consent to do. 

Be not disheartened, then, nor cloud those looks, 

That wont to be more cheerful and serene, 

Than when fair morning first smiles on the world: 

And let us to our fresh employments rise 

Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers 

That open now their choicest bosomed smells, 

Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store." 

So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was cheered. 
But silently a gentle tear let fall 
From either eye, and whiped them with her hair ; 
Two other precious drops that ready stood. 
Each in their crystal sluice, he, ere they fell, 
Kissed, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse 
And pious awe, that feared to have offended. 

So all was cleared, and to the field they haste. 
But first, from under shady arborous roof, 



114 PARADISE LOST. 

Soon as they forth were come to open sight 

Of day-spring, and the sun, who scarce up risen, 

With wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean brim. 

Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray, 

Discovering in wide landscape all the east 

Of Paiadise and Eden's happy plains, 

Lowly they bowed adoring, and began 

Their orisons, each morning duly paid 

In various style ; for neither various style 

Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise 

Their maker, in lit strains pronounced or sung 

Unmeditated ; such prompt eloquence 

Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse, 

More tuneable than needed lute or harp 

To add more sweetness ; and they thus began : 

" These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, 
Almighty! Thine this universal frame, 
Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then, 
Unspeakable ! who sitt'st above these heavens, 
To us invisible, or dimly seen 
In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare 
The goodness beyond thought, and power divine. 
Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, 
Angels ; for ye behold him and with songs 
And choral symphonies, day without night, 
Circle his throne rejoicing ; ye in Heaven, 
On earth join all ye creatures to extol 
Him first, him last, him midst and without end. 
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, 
If better thou belong not to the dawn, 
Sure pledge of day, that crown'st the smiling morn 
With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere. 
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. 
Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul. 
Acknowledge him thy greater, sound his praise 
In thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st, 
And when high noon hast gained, and when thou fall'st, 
Moon, that now meet'st the orient sun, now fli'st, 
With the fixed stars, fixed in their orb that flies. 
And ye five other wandering fires that move 



PAEADISE LOST. 115 

In mystic dance not without song, resound 

His praise, who out of darkness called up light. 

Air, and ye elements, the eldest birth 

Of nature's womb, that in quaternion run 

Perpetual circle, multiform ; and mix 

And nourish all things ; let your ceaseless change 

Vary to our great Maker still new praise. 

Ye mists and exhalations that now rise 

From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray, 

Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, 

In honour to the world's great Author rise. 

Whether to deck with clouds the uncoloured sky, 

Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers, 

Rising or falling still advance his praise. 

His praise, ye wind, that from four quarters blow, 

Breathe soft or loud ; and wave your tops, ye pines, 

With every plant, in sign of worship wave. 

Fountains, and ye that warble as ye flow 

Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. 

Join voices, all ye living souls ; ye birds. 

That singing up to Heaven-gate ascend, 

Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise. 

Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk 

The earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep ; 

Witness if I be silent, morn or even. 

To hill or valley, fountain or fresh shade, 

Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise. 

Hail, universal Lord ! be bounteous still 

To give us only good ; and if the night 

Have gathered aught of evil or concealed, 

Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark." 

So prayed they innocent, and to their thoughts 
Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted calm. 
On to their morning's rural work they haste 
Among sweet dews and flowers ; where any row 
Of fruit-trees, over-woody, reached too far 
Their pampered boughs, and needed hands to cheek 
Fruitless embraces : or they led the vine 
To w^ed lier elm ; she, spoused, about him twines 
Her marriageable arms, and with her brings 



116 PARADISE LOST. 

Her dower, the adopted clusters, to adorn 

His barren leaves. Them thus employed beheld 

With pity Heaven's High King, and to him called 

Raphael, the sociable spirit, that deigned 

To travel with Tobias, and secured 

His marriage with the seven-times-wedded maid. 

" Raphael," said he, " thou hear'st what stir on earth 
Satan, from hell 'scaped through the darksome gulf, 
Hath raised in Paradise, and how disturbed 
This night the human pair ; how he designs . 
In them at once to ruin all mankind. 
Go, therefore, half this day, as friend with friend 
Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade 
Thou find'st him from the heat of noon retired, 
To respite his day labour with repast. 
Or with repose ; and such discourse bring on. 
As may advise him of his happy state, 
Happiness in his power left free to will. 
Left to his own free will, his will though free, 
Yet mutable ; whence warn him to beware 
He swerve not, too secure : tell him withal 
His danger, and from whom ; what enemy, 
Late fallen himself from Heaven, is plotting now 
The fall of others from like state of bliss ; 
By violence? no, for that shall be withstood; 
But by deceit and lies ; this let him know, 
Lest, wilfully transgressing, he pretend 
Surprisal, unadmonished, unforewarned." 

So spake the Eternal Father, and fulfilled 
All justice : nor delayed the winged saint 
After his charge received ; but from among 
Thousand celestial ardours, where he stood 
Veiled with his gorgeous wings, up springing light 
Flew through the midst of Heaven ; the angelic quires, 
On each hand parting, to his speed gave way 
Through all the empyreal road ; till at the gate 
Of Heaven arrived, the gate self-opened wide 
On golden hinges turning, as by Avork 
Divine the sovran Architect had framed. 
From hence no cloud, or, to obstruct his fight, 



PAEADISE LOST. 117 

Star interposed, however small he sees, 

Not unconform to other shining globes, 

Earth and the garden of God, with cedars crowned 

Above all hills. As when by night the glass 

Of Galileo, less assured, observes 

Imagined Lands and regions in the moon : 

Or pilot, from amidst the Cyclades 

Delos or Samos first appearing, kens 

A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight 

He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky 

Sails between worlds and worlds, with steady wing, 

Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan 

Winnows the buxom air ; till within soar 

Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems 

A phoenix, gazed by all, as that sole bird, 

When, to enshrine his relics in the sun's 

Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. 

At once on the eastern cliff of Paradise 

He lights, and to his proper shape returns 

A seraph winged : six wings he wore, to shade 

His lineaments divine ; the pair that clad 

Each shoulder broad, came mantling o'er his breast 

With regal ornament ; the middle pair 

Girt like a starry zone his waist and round 

Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold, 

And colours dipped in Heaven ; the third his feet 

Shadowed from either heel with feathered mail, 

Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia's son he stood, 

And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance filled 

The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands 

Of angels under watch ; and to his state. 

And to his message high, in honour rise ; 

For on some message high they guessed him bound. 

Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come 

Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh. 

And flowering odours, cassia, nard, and balm; 

A wilderness of sweets ; for Nature here 

Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will 

Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, 

Wild above rule or art ; enormous bliss. 



118 PARADISE LOST. 

Him through the spicy forest onward come, 

Adam discerned, as in the door he sat 

Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun 

Shot down direct his fervid rays to warm 

Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs ; 

And Eve within, due at her hour prepared 

For dinner savoury fruits, of taste to please 

True appetite, and not disrelish tliirst 

Of nectarous draughts between, from milky stream, 

Berry or grape : to whom thus Adam called : 

" Haste hither. Eve, and worth thy sight behold 
Eastward among those trees, what glorious shape 
Comes this way moving ; seems another morn 
Risen on mid-noon ; some great behest from Heaven 
To us, perhaps, he brings, and will vouchsafe 
This day to be our guest. But go with speed, 
And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour 
Abundance, fit to honour and receive 
Our heavenly stranger : well we may afford 
Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow 
From large bestowed, where nature multiplies 
Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows 
More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare." 

To whom thus Eve : " Adam, earth's hallowed mouldy 
Of God inspired, small store will serve, where store, 
All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk ; 
Save what by frugal storing firmness gains 
To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes : 
But I will haste, and from each bough and brake. 
Each plant and jiiciest gourd, will pluck such choice 
To entertain our angel-guest, as he 
Beholding shall confess, that here on earth 
God hath dispensed his bounties as in Heaven." 

So saying, witli despatchful looks, in haste 
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent 
What choice to choose for delicacy best, 
What order, so contriv'd as not to mix 
Tastes, not well joined, inelegant, but bring 
Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change ; 
Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk 



PARADISE LOST. 119 

Whatever earth, all-bearing mother, yields 
In India, East or West, or middle shore 
In Pontus, or the Punic coast, or where 
Alcinous reign'd, fruit of all kinds, in coat 
Rough, or smooth rind, or bearded husk, or shell, 
She gathers, tribute large, and on the board 
Heaps with unsparing hand ; for drink, the grape 
She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths 
From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed 
She tempers dulcet creams ; nor these to hold 
Wants her fit vessels pure ; then strews the ground 
With rose and odours from the shrub unfumed. 

Meanwhile our primitive great sire, to meet 
His godlike guest, walks forth, without more train 
Accompanied than with his own complete 
Perfections ; in himself was all his state, 
More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits 
On princes when their rich retinue long 
Of horses led, and grooms besmeared with gold, 
Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape. 
Nearer his presence Adam, though not awed, 
Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek, 
As to a superior nature, bowing low. 
Thus said : " Native of Heaven, for other place 
None can, than Heaven, such glorious shape contain ; 
Since, by descending from the thrones above. 
Those happy places thou hast deigned awhile 
To want, and honour these, vouchsafe with us 
Two only, who yet by sovran gift possess 
This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower 
To rest, and what the garden choicest bears 
To sit and taste, till this meridian heat 
Be over, and the sun more cool decline." 

Whom thus the angelic virtue answered mild : 
'' Adam, I therefore came, nor art thou such 
Created, or such place hast here to dwell. 
As may not oft invite, though spirits of Heaven, 
To visit thee ; lead on, then, where thy bower 
O'ershades ; for these mid-hours, till evening rise, 
I have at will," So to the sylvan lodge 



120 PARADISE LOST. 

They came, that like Pomona's arbour smiled 

With flowerets decked and fragrant smells ; but Eve, 

Undecked saved with herself, more lovely fair 

Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned 

Of three that in mount Ida naked strove, 

Stood to entertain her guests from Heaven ; no veil 

She needed, virtue-proof ; no thought infirm 

Altered her cheek. On whom the angel " Hail !" 

Bestowed, the holy salutation used 

Long after to blest Mary, second Eve : 

" Hail, mother of mankind ! whose fruitful womb 
Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons, 
Than with these various fruits the trees of God 
Have heaped this table." Raised of grassy turf 
Their table was, and mossy seats had round, 
And on her ample square, from side to side, 
All autumn piled, though spring and autumn here 
Danced hand in hand. A while, discourse they hold, 
No fear lest dinner cool ; when thus began 
Our author : " Heavenly stranger, please to taste 
These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom 
All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends, 
To us for food and for delight hath caused 
The earth to yield : unsavoury food, perhaps, 
To spiritual natures ; only this I know, 
That one celestial Father gives to all." 

To whom the angel : " Therefore, what he gives 
(Whose praise he ever sung) to man, in part 
Spiritual, may of purest spirits be found 
No ingrateful food : and food alike those pure 
Intelligential substances require. 
As doth your rational ; and both contain 
Within them every lower faculty 
Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smeU, touch, tastOi 
Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate. 
And corporeal to incorporeal turn. 
For know, whatever was created, needs 
To be sustained and fed ; of elements 
The grosser feeds the purei*, earth the sea. 
Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires 



l»ARAmSB LOST. 121 

Ethereal, and, as lowest, first the moon; 

Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurged 

Vapours not yet into her substance turned. 

Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale 

From her moist continent- to higher orbs. 

The sun that light imparts to all, receives 

From all his alimental recompense 

In humid exhalations, and at even 

Sups with the ocean. Though in heaven the trees 

Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines 

Yield nectar; though from off the boughs each morn 

We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground 

Covered with pearly grain : yet God hath here 

Varied his bounty so with new delights. 

As may compare with Heaven ; and to taste, 

Think not I shall be nice." So down they sat, 

And to their viands fell ; nor seemingly 

The angel, nor in mist, the common gloss 

Of theologians ; but with keen despatch 

Of real hunger, and concoctive heat 

To transubstantiate : what redounds, transpires 

Through spirits with ease ; nor wonder, if by fire 

Of sooty coal the empiric alchemist 

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn, 

Metals or drossiest ore to perfect gold. 

As from the mine. Meanwhile at table. Eve 

Ministered naked, and their flowing cups 

With pleasant liquors crowned : O innocence 

Deserving Paradise ! If ever, then. 

Then had the sons of God excuse to have been 

Enamoured at that sight ; but in those hearts 

Love unlibidinous reigned, nor jealousy 

Was understood, the injured lover's hell. 

Thus when with meats and drinks they had sufficed, 
Not burdened nature, sudden mind arose 
In Adam not to let the occasion pass. 
Given him by this great conference, to know 
Of things above his world, and of their being 
Who dwell in Heaven, whose excellence he saw 
Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms, 



122 PARADISE LOST. 

Divine effulgence, whose high power, so far 
Exceeded human ; and his wary speech 
Thus to the empyreal minister he framed : 

" Inhabitant with God, now know I will 
Thy favour, in this honour done to man. 
Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed 
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, 
Food not of angels, yet accepted so. 
As that more willingly thou couldst not seem 
At Heaven's high feasts to have fed : yet what compare?" 

To whom the winged hierarch replied : 
" O Adam, one Almighty is, from whom 
All things proceed, and up to him return, 
If not depraved from good, created all 
Such to perfection, one first matter all, 
Endued with various forms, various degrees 
Of substance, and in things that live, of life ; 
But more refined, more spirituous, and pure, 
As nearer to him placed or nearer tending, 
Each in their several active spheres assigned, 
Till body up to spirit work, in bounds 
Proportioned to each kind. So from the root 
Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves 
More airy, last the bright consummate flower 
Spirits odorous breathes : flowers and their fruit, 
Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed. 
To vital spirits aspire, to animal. 
To intellectual ; give both life and sense, 
Fancy and understanding ; whence the soul 
Reason receives, and reason is her being, 
Discursive, or intuitive ; discourse 
Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours. 
Differing but in degree, of kind the same. 
Wonder not, then, what God for you saw good, 
If I refuse not, but convert, as you. 
To proper substance : time may come, when men 
With angels may participate, and find 
No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare ; 
And from these corporal nutriments, perhaps. 
Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit, 



PAEADISE LOST. 123 

Improved by tract of time, and winged ascend 
Ethereal, as we ; or may, at choice. 
Here or in heavenly Paradises dwell ; 
If ye be found obedient, and retain 
Unalterably firm his love entire, 
Whose progeny you are. Meanwhile, enjoy 
Your fill what happiness this happy state 
Can comprehend, incapable of more." 

To whom the patriarch of mankind replied : 
" O favourable spirit, propitious guest. 
Well hast thou taught the. way that might direct 
Our knowledge, and the scale of nature set 
From centre to circumstance, whereon, 
In contemplation of created things. 
By steps we may ascend to God. But say, 
What meant that caution joined, ' if ye be found 
Obedient ? ' Can we want obedience then 
To him, or possibly his love desert. 
Who formed us from the dust, and placed us here, 
Full to the utmost measure of what bliss 
Human desires can seek or apprehend ? " 

To whom the angel : " Son of Heaven and earth. 
Attend : that thou art happy, owe to God ; 
That thou continuest such, owe to thyself, 
That is, to thy obedience ; therein stand. 
This was that caution given thee ; be advised. 
God made thee perfect, not immutable ; 
And good he made thee, but to persevere 
He left it in thy power ; ordained thy will, 
By nature free, not over-ruled by fate 
Inextricable, or strict necessity : 
Our voluntary service he requires, 
Not our necessitated ; such with him 
Finds no acceptance, nor can find ; for how 
Can hearts, not free, be tried whether they serve 
Willing or no, who will but what they must 
By destiny, and can no other choose ? 
Myself, and all the angelic host, that stand 
In sight of God enthroned, our happy state 
Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds ; 



124 PARADISE LOST. 

On other surety none : freely we serve, 
Because we freely love, as in our will 
To love or not ; in this we stand or fall : 
And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen, 
And so from Heaven to deepest Hell ; O fall 
From what high state of bliss, into what woe ! " 

To whom our great progenitor : " Thy words 
Attentive, and with more delighted ear. 
Divine instructor, I have heard, than when 
Cherubic songs by night from neighbouring hills 
Aerial music send : nor knew I not 
To be both will and deed created free ; 
Yet that w^e never shall forget to love 
Our Maker, and obey him, whose command 
Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts 
Assured me, and still assure ; though what thou teU'st 
Hath passed in Heaven, some doubt within me move, 
But more desire to hear, if thou consent. 
The full relation, which must needs be strange. 
Worthy of sacred silence to be heard ; 
And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun 
Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins 
His other half in the great zone of Heaven." 

Thus Adam made request ; and Raphael, 
After short pause assenting, thus began : 

"High matter thou enjoin'st me, O prime of meD, 
Sad task and hard ; for how shall I relate 
To human sense the invisible exploits 
Of warring spirits ? how, without remorse. 
The ruin of so many glorious once 
And perfect while they stood ? how last unfold • 

The secrets of another world, perhaps 
Not lawful to reveal ? yet for thy good 
This is dispensed ; and what surmounts the reach 
Of human sense, I shall delineate so, 
By likening spiritual to corporal forms. 
As may express them best; though what if earth 
Be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein 
Each to other like, more than on earth is thought ? 

" As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild 



PAEADISE LOST. 125 

Reigned where these Heavens now roll, where earth now 

Upon her centre poised ; when on a day [rests 

(For time, though in eternity, applied 

To motion, measures all things durable 

By present, past, and future), on such day 

As Heaven's great year brings forth the empyreal host 

Of angels, by imperial summons called. 

Innumerable before the Almighty's throne 

Forthwith from all the ends of Heaven appeared 

Under their hierarchs in orders bright ; 

Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced, 

Standards and gonfalons twixt van and rear 

Stream in the air, and for distinction serve 

Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees ; 

Or in their glittering tissues bear emblazed 

Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love 

Recorded eminent. Thus when in orbs 

Of circuit inexpressible they stood, 

Orb within orb, the Father infinite. 

By whom in bliss embosomed sat the Son, 

Amidst as from a flaming mount, whose top 

Brightness had made invisible, thus spake: 

" ' Hear all ye angels, progeny of light, 
Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers, 
Here my decree, which unrevoked shall stand. 
This day I have begot whom I declare 
My only Son, and on this holy hill 
Him have annointed, whom ye now behold 
At my right hand ; your head I him appoint ; 
And by myself have sworn to him shall bow 
All knees in Heaven, and shall confess him Lord : 
Under his great vicegerent reign abide 
United as one individual soul. 
For ever happy : him who disobeys, 
Me disobeys, break union, and that day, 
Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls 
Into utter darkness, deep engulfed, his place 
Ordained without redemption, without end.' 

" So spake the Omnipotent, and with his words 
AU seemed well pleased : all seempd, but were not all. 



126 PARADISE LOST. 

That day, as other solemn days, they spent 

In song and dance about the sacred hill ; 

Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere 

Of planets and of fixed in all her wheels 

Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, 

Eccentric intervolved, yet regular 

Then most, when most irregular they seem ; 

And in their motions harmony divine 

So smoothes her charming tones, that God's own ear 

Listens delighted. Evening now approached 

(For we have also our evening and our morn, 

We ours for change delectable, not need) ; 

Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn 

Desirous ; all in circles as they stood, 

Tables are set, and on a sudden piled 

With angels' food, and rubied nectar flows 

In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold. 

Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heaven. 

On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets crowned, 

They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet 

Quaff immortality and joy, secure 

Of surfeit where full measure only bounds 

Excess, before the all-bounteous King, who showered 

With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy. 

Now when ambrosial night, with clouds exhaled 

From that high mount of God, whence light and shade 

Spring both, the face of brightest Heaven had changed 

To grateful twilight (for night comes not there 

In darker veil), and roseate dews disposed 

All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest ; 

Wide over all the plain, and wider far 

Than all this glorious earth in plain outspread 

(Such are the courts of God), the angelic throng 

Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend 

By living streams among the trees of life, 

Fa-silions numberless, and sudden reared, 

Celestial tabernacles, where they slept. 

Fanned with cool winds ; save those who in their course 

Melodious hymns about the sovereign throne 

Alternate all night long : but not so waked 



PAEADISE LOST. 



127 



Satan ; so call him now, his former name 

Is heard no more in Heaven ; he of the first, 

If not the first archangel, great in power, 

In favor and pre-eminence, yet fraught 

With envy against the Son of God, that day 

Honoured by his great Father, and proclaimed 

Messiah King anointed, could not bear 

Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaired. 

Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain, 

Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour 

Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolved 

With all his legions to dislodge, and leave 

Unworshipped, unobeyed, the throne supreme, 

Contemptuous ; and his next subordinate 

Awakening, thus to him in secret spake : 

" ' Sleep'st thou, companion dear? What sleep can close 
Thy eye-lids, and rememberest what decree 
Of yesterday, so late hath passed the lips 
Of Heaven's Almighty ? Thou to me thy thoughts 
Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart ; 
Both waking we were one ; how then can now 
Thy sleep dissent? New laws thou seest imposed; 
New laws from him who reigns, new minds may raise 
In us who serve, new counsels, to debate 
What doubtful may ensue : more in this place 
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou 
Of all those myriads which we lead the chief ; 
Tell them that by command, ere yet dim night 
Her shadowy cloud withdraws, I am to haste, 
And all who under me their banners wave, 
Homeward with flying march where we possess 
The quarters of the north ; there to prepare 
Fit entertainment to receive our King, 
The great Messiah, and his new commands. 
Who speedily through all the hierarchies 
Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.' 

" So spake the false archangel, and infused 
Bad influence into the unwary breast 
Of his asssociates : he together calls, 
Or several one by one, the regent powers, 



i2S PARADISE LOST. 

Under him regent ; tells, as he was taught, 
That the most High commanding, now ere night, 
Now ere dim night had disencumbered Heaven, 
The great hierarchal standard was to move; 
Tells the suggested cause, and casts between 
Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound 
Or taint integrity: but all obeyed 
The wonted signal, and superior voice 
Of their great potentate ; for great indeed 
His name, and high was his degree in Heaven ;' 
His countenance, as the morning-star that guides 
The starry flock, allured them, and with lies 
Drew after him the third part of Heaven's host. 
Meanwhile the eternal eye, whose sight discerns 
Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount, 
And from within the golden lamps that burn 
Nightly before him,. saw without their light 
Rebellion rising ; saw in whom, how spread 
Among the sons of morn, what multitudes 
Were banded to oppose his high decree ; 
And, smiling, to his only Son thus said : 

" ' Son, thou in whom my glory I behold 
In full resplendence, heir of all my might, 
Nearly it now concerns us to be sure 
Of our omnipotence, and with what arms 
We mean to hold what anciently we claim 
Of deity or empire ; such a foe 
Is rising, who intends to erect his throne 
Equal to ours, throughout the spacious north; 
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try 
In battle, what our power is, or our right. 
Let us advise, and to this hazard draw 
With speed what f'orce is left, and all employ 
In our defence, lest unawares we lose 
This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.' 

" To whom the Son, with calm aspect and clear, 
Lightning divine, ineffable, serene. 
Made answer : ' Mighty Father, thou thy foes 
Justly hast in derision, and secure 
Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults vain, 



PARADISE LOST. 129 

Matter to me of glory, whom their hate 

Ilhistrates, when they see all regal power 

Given me to quell their pride, and in event 

Knew whether I be dexterous to subdue 

Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heaven.' 

( " So spake the Son ; but Satan with his powers 

Far was advanced on winged speed, an host 

Innumerable as the stars of night. 

Or stars of morning, dew-drops, which the sun 

Impearls on every leaf and every flower^ 

Regions they passed, the mighty regencies 

Of seraphim, and potentates, and thrones, 

In their triple degrees ; regions to which 

All thy dominion, Adam, is no more 

Than what this garden is to all the earth, 

And all the sea, from one entire globose 

Stretched into longitude ; which having passed, 

At length into the limits of the north 

They came, and Satan to his royal seat, 

High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount 

Raised on a mount, with pyramids and towers, 

From diamond quarries hewn, and rocks of gold \ 

The place of great Lucifer (so call 

That structure in the dialect of men 

Interpreted), whicli not long after, he 

Affecting all equality with God, 

In imitation of that mount whereon 

Messiah was declared in sight of Heaven, 

The Mountain of the Congregation called ; 

For thither he assembled all his train. 

Pretending so commanded to consult 

About the great reception of their King 

Thither to come, and with calumnious art 

Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears : 

" ' Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powere. 
If these magnific titles yet remain 
Not merely titular, since by decree 
Another now hath to himself engrossed 
All power, and us eclipsed, under the name 
Of King anointed, for whom all this haste 

9 



130 PARADISE LOST. 

Of midnight march, and hurried meeting herr 
Tins only to consult ; hoAv we may best, 
With what may be devised of honours new, 
Receive him coming to receive from us 
Knee-tribute yet unpaid, pi'ostration vile, 
Too much to one, but double how endured, 
To one and to his image now proclaimed ? 
But what if better counsels might erect 
Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke? 
Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend 
The sui)ple knee ? Ye will not if I trust 
To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves, 
Natives and sons of Heaven, possessed before 
By none, and if not equal all, yet free, 
Equally free; for orders and degrees 
Jar not with liberty, but well consist. 
Who can in reason then, or right, assume 
Monarchy over such as live by right 
His equals, if in power and splendour less, 
In freedom equal? or can introduce 
Law and edict on us, who, without law, 
Err not? much less for this to be our Lord, 
And look for adoration, to the abuse 
Of those imperial titles, which assert 
Our being ordained to govern, not to serve.' 

" Thus far his bold discourse without control 
Had audience, when among the seraphim 
Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored 
The Deity, and divine commands obeyed, 
Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe, 
The current of his fury thus opposed : 

" ' Oh, argument blasphemous, false and proud 
Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven 
Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate, 
In place thyself so high above thy peers. 
Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn 
The just decree of God, pronounced and sworn, 
That to his only Son, by right endued 
With regal sceptre, every soul in Heaven 
Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due 



PARADISE LOST. 



131 



Confess him rightful King ? unjust, thou sayst, 

Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free, 

And equal over equals to let reign, 

One over all with unsucceeded power. 

Shalt thou give law to God ? shalt thou disj^ute 

With him the points of liberty, who made 

Tliee what thou art, and formed the powers of Heaven 

Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being? 

Yet, by experience taught, we know how good, 

And of our good and of our dignity 

How provident he is, how far from thought 

To make us less, bent rather to exalt 

Our happy state under one head more near 

United. But to grant it thee unjust, 

That equal over equals monarch reign : 

Thyself, thou great and glorious, dost thou count, 

Or all angelic nature joined in one. 

Equal to him begotten Son ? by whom. 

As by his word, the mighty father made 

All things, even thee ; and all the spirits of Heaven 

By him created in their bright degrees. 

Crowned them with glory, and to their glory named 

Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers, 

Essential powers ; nor by his reign obscured. 

But more illustrious made ; since he the head, 

One of our number thus reduced becomes; 

His laws our laws ; all honour to him done 

Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, 

And tempt not these, but hasten to appease 

Tlie incensed Father, and the incensed Son, 

While pardon may be found in time besought.' 

" So spake the fervent angel ; but his zeal 
None seconded, as out of season judged. 
Or singular and rash ; whereat rejoiced 
The apostate, and more haughty thus replied : 

" ' That we were formed then, sayest thou ? and the work 
Of secondary hands, by task transferred 
From Father to his Son ? strange point and new! 
Doctrine which we would know whence learned : who saw 
When this creation was? rememberest thou 



U>2 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being? 

We know no time w4ien we were not as now; 

Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised 

By our own quickening power, when fatal course 

Had circled his full orb, the birth mature 

Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons. 

Our puissance is our own ; our own right hand 

Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try 

Who is our equal: then thou shalt behold 

Whether by supplication we intend 

Address, and to begirt the almighty throne 

Beseeching or besieging. This report, 

These tidings carry to the anointed King; 

And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.' 

" He said, and as the sound of waters deep, 
Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause 
Through the infinite host ; nor less for that 
The flaming seraph fearless, though alone, 
Encompassed round with foes, thus answered bold 

" ' O alienate from God, O spirit accursed, 
Forsaken of all good ! I see thy fall 
Determined, and thy hapless crew involved 
In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread 
Both of thy crime and punishment : henceforth 
No more be troubled how to quit the yoke 
Of God's Messiah ; those indulgent laws 
Will not be now vouchsafed ; other decrees 
Against thee are gone forth without recall ; 
That golden sceptre, w^hich thou didst reject, 
Is now an iron rod to bruise and break 
Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise y 
Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly 
These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath 
Impendent, raging into sudden flame, 
Distinguish not ; for soon expect to feel 
His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. 
Then who created thee lamenting learn. 
When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know.* 

" So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found 
Among the faithless, faithful only he ; 



PAKADISE LOST. 133 

Among innumerable false, unmoved, 

Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified. 

His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal ; 

Nor number, nor example, with him wrought 

To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind, 

Though single. From amidst them forth he passed, 

Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained 

Superior, nor of violence feared aught ; 

And with retorted scorn his back he turned 

On those proud towers to sw:'ft destruction doomed. 



184 PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK VI. 



THE AEGUMENT. 



Raphael continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent forth 
to battle against Satan and his angels. Tlie first fight described: Satan 
and his powers retire under night : he calls a council, invents devilish 
engines, which, in the second day's fight, put Michael and his angels to 
some disorder ; but thej^ at length, pulling up mountains, overwhelmed 
both the force and machines of Satan : yet the tumult not so ending, 
God on the third day sends Messiah his Son, for wliom he had reserved 
the glory of that victory: he, in the power of his Father, coming to the 
place, and causing all his legions to stand still on either side, with his 
chariot and thunder driving into the midst of his enemies, pursues them, 
unable to resist, towards the wall of Heaven ; which opening, they leap 
down with horror and confusion into the place of punishment prepared 
for them in the deep : Messiah returns with triumph to his Father. 

*' All night the dreadless angel, unpursued, 

Through Heaven's wide champain held his way; till morn, 

Waked by the circling hours, with rosy hand 

Unbarred the gates of light. There is a cave 

Within the mount of God, fast by his throne. 

Where light and darkness in perpetual round 

Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through 

Heaven 
Grateful vicissitudes like day and night ; 
Light issues forth, and at the other door 
Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour 
To veil the heaven, though darkness there might well 
Seem twilight here ; and now went forth the morn, 
Such as in highest Heaven, arrayed m gold 
Empyreal ; from before her vanished night, 
Shot through with orient beams ; when all the plain, 
Covered with thick embattled squadrons bright, 
Chariots and flaming arms, and fiery steeds. 
Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view : 



PAEADISE LOST. 1*6 

War he perceived, war in procinct, and found 
Already known what he for news had thought 
To have reported : gladly then he mixed 
Among those friendly powers, whom him received 
With joy and acclamations loud, that one, 
That of so many myriads fallen, yet one 
Returned not lost. On to the sacred hill 
They led him high applauded, and present 
Before the seat supreme ; from whence a voice, 
From midst a golden cloud thus mild was heard : 

" ' Servant of God, well done ! well hast thou fought 
The better fight, who single hast maintained 
Against revolted multitudes the cause 
Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms ; 
And for the testimony of truth hast borne 
Universal reproach, far worse to bear 
Than violence ; for this was all thy care, 
To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds 
Judged thee perverse : the easier conquest now 
Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, 
Back c»n thy foes more glorious to return 
Than scorned thou didst depart; and to subdue 
By force, who reason for their law refuse ; 
Right reason for their law, and for their King 
Messiah, who by right of merit reigns. 
Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince, 
And thou in military prowess next, 
Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons 
Invincible, lead forth my armed saints 
By thousands and by millions ranged f(>r fighl. 
Equal in number to that godless crew 
Rebellious ; them with fire and hostile arms 
Fearless assault, and to the brow of Heaven 
Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss 
Into their place of punishment, the gulf 
Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide 
His fiery chaos to receive their fall.' 

" So spake the sovran voice, and clouds begaD 
To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll 
In dusky wreaths, reluctant flames, the sign 



136 PARADISE Lost. 

Of wrath awaked ; nor with less flread the loud 

Ethereal trumpet from on high 'gan blow : 

At which command the powers militant, 

That stood for Heaven, in mighty quadrate joined 

Of union ii-resistible, moved on 

In silence their bright legions, to the sound 

Of instrumental harmony, that breathed 

Heroic ardour to adventurous deeds 

Under their godlike leaders, in the cause 

Of God and his Messiah. On they move 

Indissolubly firm ; nor obvious hill, 

Nor straitening vale, nor wood, nor stream, divides 

Their perfect ranks ; for high above the ground 

Their march was, and the passive air upbore 

Their nimble tread : as when the total kind 

Of birds, in orderly array on wing. 

Came summoned over Eden to receive 

Their names of thee ; so over many a tract 

Of Heaven they marched, and many a province wide 

Tenfold the length of this terrene : at last, 

Far in the horizon to the north appeared 

From skirt to skirt a fiery region, stretched 

In battailous aspect and nearer view 

Bristled with upright beams innumerable 

Of rigid spears, and hemlets thronged, and shields 

Various, with boastful argument portrayed, 

The banded powers of Satan hasting on 

With furious expedition ; for they weened 

That self-same day by fight, or by surprise, 

To win the mount of God, and on his throne 

To set the envier of his state, the proud 

Aspirer ; but their thoughts proved fond and vain 

In the midway : though strange to us it seemed 

At first, that angel should with angel war. 

And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet 

So oft in festivals of joy and love 

Unanimous, as sons of one great Sire, 

Hymning the eternal Father. But the shout 

Of battle now began, and rushing sound 

Of onset, ended soon each milder thought. 



PARADISE LOST. 137 

High in the midst, exalted as a god, 

The apostate in his sun-bright chariot sat, 

Idol of majesty divine, enclosed 

With flaming cherubim and golden shields ; 

Then lighted from his gorgeous throne ; for now, 

'Twixt host and host, but narrow space was left, 

A dreadful interval, and front to front 

Presented stood in terrible array 

Of hideous length : before the cloudy van, 

On the rough edge of battle ere it joined, 

Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced. 

Came towering, armed in adamant and gold ; 

Abdiel that sight endured not, where he stood 

Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, 

And thus his own undaunted heart explores : 

•' ' O Heaven ! that such resemblance of the Highest 
Should yet remain, where faith and realty 
Remain not! wherefore should not strength and might 
There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove 
Where boldest, though to sight unconquerable ? 
His puissance, trusting in the Almighty's aid, 
I mean to try, whose reason I have tried 
Unsound and false ; nor is it aught but just, 
That he who in debate of truth hath won. 
Should win in arms, in both disputes alike 
Victor; though brutish that contest and foul, 
When reason hath to deal with force, yet so 
Most reason is that reason overcome.' 

" So pondering, and from his armed peers 
Forth stepping opposite, half-way he met 
His daring foe, at this prevention more 
Incensed, and thus securely him defied : 

" ' Proud ! art thou met ? thy hope was to have reached 
The height of thy aspiring unopposed. 
The throne of God unguarded, and his side 
Abandoned at the terror of thy power 
Or potent tongue : fool ! not to think how vain 
Against the Omnipotent to rise in arms ; 
Who out of smallest things could without end 
Have raised incessant armies to defeat 



138 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy folly ; or, with solitary hand, 
[ieachiiig beyond all limit, at one blow- 
Unaided could have finished thee, and whelmed 
Thy legions under darkness : but thou seest 
All are not of thy train ; there be who faith 
Prefer, and piety to God, though then 
To thee not visible, when I alone 
Seemed in thy world erroneous to dissent 
From all : my sect thou seest ; now learn too late 
How few sometimes may know, when thousands err, 

'* Whom the grand foe, with scornful eye askance, 
Thus answered : ' 111 for thee, but in wished hour 
Of my revenge, first sought for, thou return'st 
From flight, seditious angel ! to receive 
Thy merited reward, the first assay 
Of this right hand provoked, since first that tongue, 
Inspired with contradiction, durst oppose 
A third part of the gods, in synod met 
Their deities to assert ; who, while they feel 
Vigour divine within them, can allow 
Omnipotence to none. But well thou com'st 
Before thy fellows, ambitious to win 
From me some plume, that thy success may show 
Destruction to the rest : this pause between 
(Unanswered lest thou boast) to let thee know, 
At first I thought that liberty and Heaven 
To heavenly souls had been all one ; but now 
I see that most through sloth had rather serve, 
Ministering spirits, trained up in feast and song ; 
Such liast thou armed, the minstrelsy of Heaven, 
Servility with freedom to contend. 
As both their deeds compared this day shall prove.* 

"To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern replied: 
' Apostate ! still thou err'st, nor end wilt find 
Of erring, frcrni the path of truth remote : 
Unjustly thou deprav'st it with the name 
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains, 
Or nature ; God and nature bid the same, 
When he who rules is worthiest, and excels 
Them whom he governs. This is servitude, 



PARADISE LOST. 139 

To serve the unwise, or him who hath rebelled 
Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, 
Thyself not free, but to thyself enthralled ; 
Yet lewdly dar'st our ministering upbraid. 
Reign thou in Hell thy kingdom ; let me serve 
In Heaven Qod ever blest, and his divine 
Behests obey, worthiest to be obeyed ; 
Yet chains in Hell, not realms, expect : meanwhile 
From me returned, as erst thou saidst, from flight, 
This greeting on thy impious crest receive.' 
^' So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high, 
Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fell 
On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight. 
Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield. 
Such ruin intercept : ten paces huge 
He back recoiled ; the tenth on bended knee 
His massy spear upstayed ; as if on earth 
Winds under ground, or waters forcing way 
Sidelong, had pushed a mountain' from his seat. 
Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seized 
The rebel thrones, but greater rage to see 
Thus foiled their mightiest ; ours joy filled, and shout. 
Presage of victory, and fierce desire 
Of battle : whereat Michael bid sound 
The Archangel trumpet : through the vast of Heaven 
It sounded, and the faithful armies rung 
Hosanna to the Highest ; nor stood at gaze 
The adverse legions ; nor less hideous joined 
The horrid shock. Now storming fury rose, 
And clamour such as heard in Heaven till now 
Was never ; arms on armour clashing brayed 
Horrible discord, and the madding wheels 
Of brazen chariots raged ; dire was the noise 
Of conflict ; overhead the dismal hiss 
Of fiery darts in flaming volleys flew. 
And flying vaulted either host with fire. 
So under fiery cope together rushed 
Both battles main, with ruinous assault 
And inextinguishable rage. All Heaven 
Resounded, and had earth been then, all earth 



140 PARADISE LOST. 

Had to her centre shook. ^^' What wonder, when 

Millions of fierce encountering angels fonght 

On either side, the least of whom could wield 

These elements, and arm him with the force 

Of all their regions ? How much more of power, 

Army against army numberless to raise 

Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb, 

Though not destroy, their happy native seat ; 

Had not the eternal King omnipotent. 

From his strong hold of Heaven, high over-ruled 

And limited their might ; though numbered such 

As each divided legion might have seemed 

A numerous host ; in strength each armed hand 

A legion ; led in fight, yet leader seemed 

Each warrior, single as in chief, expert 

When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway 

Of battle, open when, and when to close 

The ridges of grim war.: no thought of flight; 

None of retreat ; no unbecoming deed 

That argued fear ; each on himself relied, 

As only in his arm the moment lay 

Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame 

Were done, but infinite ; for wide was spread 

That war and various ; sometimes on firm grouncl 

A standing fight, then soaring on main wing 

Tormented all the air; all air seemed then 

Conflicting fire. Long time in even scale 

The battle hung ; till Satan, who that day 

Prodigious power had shown, and met in arms 

No equal, ranging through the dire attack 

Of fighting seraphim confused, at length 

Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and felled 

Squadrons at once ; with huge two-handed sway 

Brandished aloft, the horrid edge came down 

Wide Avasting : such destruction to withstand 

He hasted, and opposed the rocky orb 

Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield, 

A vast circumference. At his approach 

The great archangel from his warlike toil 

Surceased, and glad, as hoping here to end 



PARADISE LOST. 141 

Intestine war in Heaven, the arch foe subdued, 
Or captive dragged in chains, with hostile frown 
And visage all inflamed, first thus began : 

" 'Author of evil, unknown till thy revolt, 
Unnamed in Heaven, now plenteous, as thou seest 
These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all. 
Though heaviest by just measure on thyself 
And thy adherents : how hast thou disturbed 
Heaven's blessed peace, and into nature brought 
Misery, uncreat-^d till the crime 
Of thy rebellion ! how hast thou instilled 
Thy malice into thousands, once upright 
And faithful, now proved false ! But hink not here 
To trouble holy rest ; Heaven casts thee out 
From all her confines. Heaven, the seat of bliss, 
Brooks not the works of violence and war. 
Hence then, and evil go with thee along, 
Thy offspring, to the place of evil. Hell, 
Thou and thy wicked crew ; there mingle broils, 
Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom. 
Or some more sudden vengeance, winged from Gody 
Precipitate thee with augmented pain.' 

" So spake the prince of angels : to whom thus 
The adversary : ' Nor think thou with wind 
Of airy threats to awe, whom yet with deeds 
Thou canst not. Hast thou turned the last of these 
To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise 
Un vanquished, easier to transact with me 
That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threat* 
To chase me hence ? Err not that so shall end 
The strife which thou call'st evil, but we style 
The strife of glory ; which we mean to win, 
Or turn this Heaven itself into the Hell 
Thou fablest ; here, however, to dwell free, 
If not to reign : meanwhile thy utmost force, 
And join him named Almighty to thy aid; 
I fly not, but have sought thee, far and nigh.' 

" They ended parle, and both addressed for fight 
Unspeakable : for who, though with the tongue 
Of angels, can relate, or to what things 



142 PARADISE LOST. 

Liken on earth conspicuous, that may lift 

Hiinian imagination to sucli lieight 

Of godlike power ? for likest gods they seemed, 

Stood tliey or moved, in statue, motion, arms, 

Fit to decide the empire of great Heaven. 

Now waved their fiery swords, and in the air 

Made horrid circles ; two broad suns their shields 

Blazed opposite, while expectation stood 

In horror : from each hand with speed retired, 

Where erst was thickest fight, the angelic throng, 

And left large field, unsafe within the wind 

Of such commotion ; such as (to set forth 

Great things by small) if, nature's concord broke, 

Among the constellations Avar were sprung, 

Two planets, rushing from aspect malign 

Of fiercest opposition, in mid sky 

Should combat, and their jarring s]>heres confound. 

Together both, with next to Almighty arm. 

Uplifted imminent; one stroke they aimed 

That might determine, and not need repeat, 

As not of power at once ; nor odds appeared 

In might or swift prevention : but the sword 

Of Michael, from the armoury of God 

Was given him tempered so, that neither keen 

Nor solid might resist that edge : it met 

The sword of Satan with steep force to smite 

Descending, and in half cut sheer; nor stayed, 

But with sVift wheel reverse, deep entering, shared 

All his right side : then Satan first knew pain. 

And writhed him to and fro convolved ; so sore 

The griding sword with discontinuous wound 

Passed through him : but the ethereal substance closed^ 

Not long divisible, and from the gash 

A stream of nectarous humour issuing flowed 

Sanguine, such as celestial spirits may bleed. 

And all his armour stained, ere while s ) bright. 

Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run 

By angels many and strong, who interposed 

Defence, while others bore him on their shields 

Back to his chariot, where it stood retired 



PARADISE LOST. 143 

From oft *ke fields of war ; there they liira laid, 

Gnashing for anguish and despite and shame, 

To find hinit^ell not matchless, and his pride 

Humbled by such rebuke, so far beneath 

His confidence co equal God in power. 

Yet soon he healed ; for spirits that live throughout 

S-^ital in every part, not as frail man 

f/j entrails, heart or head, liver or reins. 

Cannot but by annihilating die ; 

Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound 

Receive, no more than can the fluid air. 

All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear, 

All intellect, all sense ; and, as they please. 

They limb themselves, and colour, shape or size 

Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare. 

" Meanwhile in other parts, like deeds deserved 
Memoi'ial, where the might of Gabriel fought, 
And with fierce ensigns pierced the deep array 
Of Moloch, furious king, who him defied, 
And at his chariot wheels to drag him bound 
Threatened, nor from the Holy One of Heaven 
Refrained his tongue blasphemous , but anon, 
Down cloven to the waist, with shattered arms 
And uncouth pain fled bellowing. On each wing 
Uriel and Raphael his vaunting foe. 
Though huge, and in a rock of diamond armed, 
Vanquished Adramele6li, and Asmadai, 
Two potent thrones, that to be less than gods 
Disdained, but meaner thoughts learned in their flightj 
Mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and mail. 
Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy 
The atheist crew, but with redoubled blow 
Ariel and Arioch, and the violence 
Of Ramiel, scorched and blasted, overthrew. 
I might relate to thousands, and their names 
Eternize here on earth ; but those elect 
Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven, 
Seek not the praise of men : the other sort. 
In might though wondrous and in acts of war, 
Nor of renown less eager, yet by doom 



144 PARADISE LOST. 

Cancelled from Heaven and sacred memory, 
Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell. 
For strength from truth divided, and from just, 
Illaudable, nought merits but dispraise 
And ignominy, yet to glory aspires 
Vain-glorious, and through infamy seeks fame : 
Therefore eternal silence be their doom. 

" And now, their mightiest quelled, the battle swerved, 
With many an inroad gored ; deformed, rout 
Entered, and foul disorder ; all the ground 
With shivered armour strown, and on a heap 
Chariot and charioteer lay overturned. 
And fiery foaming steeds ; what stood, recoiled 
O'er-wearied, through the faint Satanic host 
Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surprised. 
Then first with fear surprised and sense of pain. 
Fled ignominious, to such evil brought 
By sin of disobedience, till that hour 
Not liable to fear, or flight, or pain. 
Far otherwise the inviolable saints, 
In cubic phalanx firm advanced entire. 
Invulnerable, impenetrably armed ; 
Such high advantages their innocence 
Gave them above their foes, not to have sinned, 
Not to have disobeyed ; in sight they stood 
Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pained 
By wound, though from their place by violence moved 

" Now night her course began, and, over Heaven 
Inducing darkness, grateful truce imposed, 
And silence on the odious din of war ; 
Under her cloudy covert both retired, 
Victor and vanquished : on the foughten field 
Michael and his angels prevalent 
Encamping, placed in guard their watches rounds 
Cherubic waving fires : on the other part 
Satan with his rebellious disappeared. 
Far in the dark dislodged ; and, void of rest, 
His potentates to council called by night ; 
And in the midst thus undismayed began : 

" ' O now in danger tried, now known in arm* 



PARADISE LOST. 145 

Kot to be overpowered, companions dear, 

Found worthy not of liberty alone, 

Too mean pretence, but what we more affect, 

Honour, dominion, glory, and renown ; 

Who have sustained one day in doubtful fight 

(And if one day, why not eternal days ?) 

What Pleaven's Lord had powerfullest to send 

Against us from about his throne, and judged 

Sufficient to subdue us to his will. 

But proves not so : then fallible, it seems, 

Of future we may deem him, though till now 

Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly armed, 

Some disadvantage we endured, and pain, 

Till now not known, but, known, as soon contemned 

Since now we find this our empyreal form 

Incapable of mortal injury. 

Imperishable, and though pierced with wound, 

Soon closing, and by native vigour healed. 

Of evil then so small as easy think 

The remedy ; perhaps more valid arms, 

Weapons more violent, when next we meet 

May serve to better us, and worse our foes, 

Or equal what between us made the odds, 

In nature none; if other hidden cause 

Left them superior, while we can preserve 

Unhurt our minds and understanding sound, 

Due search and consultation will disclose.' 

" He sat : and in the assembly next upstood 
Nisroch, of principalities the prime ; 
As one he stood escaped from cruel fight, 
Sore toiled, his j'iven arms to havoc hewn, 
And cloudy in aspect thus answering spake : 

" ' Deliverer from new lords, leader to free 
Enjoyment of our right as gods ; yet hard 
For gods, and too unequal work we find, 
Against unequal arms to fight in pain, 
Against un pained, impassive ; from which evil 
Ruin must needs ensue ; for what avails 
Valour or strength, tliough matchless, quelled with pain 
Which all subdues, and makes remiss the hands 

10 



146 PARADISE LOST. 

Of mightiest ? Sense of pleasure we ^ay well 
Spare out of life, perhaps, and not repine, 
But live content, which is the calmest life : 
But pain is perfect misery, the worst 
Of evils, and, excessive, overturns 
All patience. He who therefore can invent 
With what more forcible we may offend 
Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm 
Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves 
No less than for deliverance what we owe.' 

" Wliereto, with look composed, Satan replied : 
' Not uninvented that,_ which thou aright 
Believ'st so main to our success, I Ix-ing. 
Which of us who beholds the bright surface 
Of this ethereous mould whereon we stand, 
This continent of spacious Heaven, adorned 
With plan, fruit, flower ambrosial, gems and gold ; 
Whose eye so superficially surveys 
These things, as not to mind from whence they grow 
Deep under ground, materials dark and crude, 
Of spirituous and fiery spume, till touched 
With Heaven's ray, and tempered, they shoot forth 
So beauteous, opening to the ambient light ? 
These in their dark nativity, the deep 
Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal flame ; 
Which into hollow engines long and round 
Thick-rammed, at the other bore with touch of fire 
Dilated and infuriate, shall send forth 
From far, with thundering noise, among our foes, 
Such implements of mischief, as shall dash 
To pieces, and o'erwhelm whatever stands 
Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmed 
The Tliunderer of his only dreaded bolt. 
Nor long shall be our labour ; yet, ere dawn, 
Effect sliall end our wish. Meanwhile revive ; 
Abandon fear ; to strength and counsel joined 
Think nothing hard, much less to be despaired.' 

" He ended, and his words their drooping cheer 
Enlightened, and their languished hope revived. 
The invention all admired, and each, how he 



PARADISE LOST. 14? 

To be the inventor missed ; so easy it seemed 
Once found, whicli yet unfound most would have thought 
Impossible : yet haply of thy race 
In future days, if malice should abound, 
Some one intent on mischief, or inspired 
With devilish machination, might devise 
Like instrument to plague the sons of men 
For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent. 
Forthwith from council to the work they flew ; 
.None arguing stood ; innumerable hands 
Were ready ; in a moment up they turned 
Wide the celestial soil, and saw beneath 
The originals of nature in their crude 
Conception ; sulphurous and nitrous foam 
They found, they mingled, and, with subtle art 
Concocted and adjusted, they reduced 
To blackest grain, and into store conveyed : 
Part hidden veins digged up (nor hath this earth 
Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone. 
Whereof to found their engines and their balls 
Of missive ruin ; part incentive reed 
Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. 
So all ere day-spring, under conscious night, 
Secret they finished, and in order set, 
With silent circumspection, unespied. 

" 'Now Avhen fair morn orient in Heaven appeared, 
Up rose the victor angels, and to arms 
The matin trumped sung : in arms they stood 
Of golden panoply, refulgent host. 
Soon banded ; others from the dawning hills 
Looked round, and scouts each coast light-armed scoiur, 
Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, 
Where lodged, or whither fled, or if for fight, 
In motion or in halt : him soon they meet 
Under spread ensigns moving nigh, in slow 
But firm battalion ; back with speediest sail 
Zophiel, of cherubim the swiftest wing, 
Come flying, and in mid air aloud thus cried : 

" ' Arm, warriors, ai-m for fight ! the foe at hand, 
Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit 



148 PAEADISE LOST. 

This day ; fear not his flight ; so thick a cloud 
He comes, and settled in his face I see 
Sad resolution and secure : let each 
His adamantine coat gird well, and each 
Fit well his helm, gripe fast his orbed shield, 
Borne even or high ; for this day will pour down, 
If I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower, 
But rattling storm of arrows barbed with fire.' 

" So warned he them, aware themselves, and soon 
In order, quit of all impediment. 
Instant without disturb they took alarm. 
And onward moved embattled : when, behold, 
Not distant far, with heavy pace, the foe 
Approaching gross and huge, in hollow cube 
Training his devilish enginery, impaled 
On every side with shadowing squadrons deep, 
To hide the fraud. At interview both stood 
Awhile ; but suddenly at head appeared 
Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud: 

" ' Vanguard, to right and left the front unfold; 
That all may see who hate us, how we seek 
Peace and composure, and with open breast 
Stand ready to receive them, if they like 
Our overture, and turn not back perverse ; 
But that I doubt ; however, witness Heaven, 
Heaven witness thou anon, while we discharge 
Freely out part ; ye who appointed stand, 
Do as you have in charge^ and briefly touch 
What we propound, and loud, that all may hear.* 

" So scofiing, in ambiguous words, he scarce 
Had ended, when to rig-lit and left the front 
Divided, and to either flank retired : 
Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange, 
A triple mounted row of pillars laid 
On wheels (for like to pillars most they seemed. 
Or hollowed bodies made of oak or fir. 
With branches lopped, in wood or mountain felled) 
Brass, iron, stony mould, had not their mouths 
With hideous orifice gaped on us wide. 
Portending hollow truce ; at each behind 



PAEADISE LOST. 149 

A seraph stood, and in his hand a reed 

Stood waving, tipped with fire ; while we, suspense, 

Collected stood within our thoughts amused, 

Not long ; for sudden all at once their reeds 

Put forth, and to a narrow vent applied 

With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame, 

But soon obscured with smoke, all Heaven appeared, 

From those deep-throated engines belched, whose roar 

Embowelled with outrageous noise the air, 

And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul 

Their devilish glut, chained thunderbolts and hail 

Of iron globes ; which, on the victor host 

Levelled, with such impetuous fury smote, 

That whom they hit, none on their feet might stand, 

Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell 

By thousands, angel on archangel rolled. 

The sooner for their arms : unarmed they might 

Have easily, as spirits, evaded swift 

By quick contration or remove ; but now 

Foul dissipation followed, and forced rout ; 

Nor served it to relax their serried files. 

What should they do ? if on they rushed, repulse 

Repeated, and indecent overthrow 

Doubled, would render them yet more despised. 

And to their foes a laughter ; for in view 

Stood ranked of seraphim another row. 

In posture to displode their second tire 

Of thunder : back defeated to return 

They worse abhorred. Satan beheld their plight, 

And to his mates thus in derision called : 

" O friends, why come not on these victors proud? 
Erewhile they fierce were coming ; and when we, 
To entertain them fair with open front 
And breast (what could we more ?) propounded temiB 
Of composition, straight they changed their minds, 
Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell, 
As they would dance ; yet for a dance they seemed 
Somewhat extravagant and wild, perhaps 
For joy of offered peace : but I suppose, 
If our proposals once again were heard, 



160 PARADISE LOST. 

We should compel them to a quick result.' 

" To whom thus Belial, in like gamesome mood: 
' Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, 
Of hard contents, and full of force urged home, 
Such as we might perceive amused them all, 
And stumbled many ; who receives them right, 
Had need from head to foot well understand ; 
Not understood, this gift they have besides. 
They show us when our foes walk not upright.' 
" So they among themselves, in pleasant vein, 
Stood scoffing, heiglitened in their thoughts beyond 
All doubt of victory ; eternal might 
To match with their inventions they presumed 
So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn, 
And all his host derided, while they stood 
Awhile in trouble : but they stood not long ; 
Rage prompted them at length, and found them arms 
Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose. 
Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power, 
Which God hath in his mighty angels placed) 
Their arms away they threw, and to the hills 
(For earth hath this variety from Heaven 
Of pleasure situate in hill and dale) 
Light as the lighting glimpse they ran, they flew ; 
From their foundations lossening to and fro 
They plucked the seated hills with all their load, 
Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops 
Uplifting bore them in their hands : amaze, 
Be sure, and terror, seized the rebel host, 
When coming towards them so dread they saw 
The bottom of the mountains upward turned ; 
Till on those cursed engines, triple row 
They saw them whelmed, and all their confidence 
Under the weight of mountains buried deep ; 
Themselves invaded next, and on their heads 
Main promontories flung, which in the air 
Came shadowing, and oppressed whole legions armed ; 
Their armour helped their harm, crushed in and bruised 
Into their substance pent, which wrought them pain 
Implacable, and many a dolorous groan, 



PAEADISE LOST. 151 

Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind 
Out of such prison, though spirits of purest light, 
Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown. 
The rest in imitation to like arms 
Betook them, and the neighboring hills uptore; 
So hills amid the air encountered hills 
Hurled to and fro with jaculation dire, 
That under ground they fought in dismal shade; 
Infernal noise ! war seemed a civil game 
To this uproar ; horrid confusion heaped 
Upon confusion rose : and now all Heaven 
Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread, 
Had not the Almighty Father, where he sits 
Shrined in his sanctuary of Heaven secure, 
Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen 
This tumult, and permitted all, advised : 
That his great purpose he might so fulfil, 
To honor his anointed Son avenged 
Upon his enemies, and to declare 
All power on him transferred : whence to his son, 
The assessor of his throne, he thus began : 
" ' Effulgence of my glory. Son beloved, 
Son in whose face invisible is beheld 
Visibly, what by deity I am. 
And in whose hand what by decree I do, 
Second Omnipotence ! two days are past. 
Two days, as we compute the days of Heaven, 
Since Michael and his powers went forth to tame 
These disobedient; sore hath been their fight. 
As likeliest was, when two such foes met armed ; 
For to themselves I left them ; and thou knowest 
Equal in their creation they were formed. 
Save what sin hath impaired, which yet hath wrought 
Insensibly, for I suspend their doom ; 
Whence in prepetual fight they needs must last 
Endless, and no solution will be found : 
War wearied hath performed what war can do, 
And to disordered rage let lose the reins. 
With mountains as with weapons armed, which makes 
Wild work in Heaven, and dangerous to the main. 



152 PARADISE LOST. 

Two days are therefore past, the third is thine ; 
For thee I have ordained it, and thus far 
Have suffered, that the glory may be thine 
Of ending this great war, since none but thou 
Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace 
Immense I have transfused, that all may know 
In Heaven and Hell thy power above compare ; 
And, this perverse commotion governed thus, 
To manifest the worthiest to be Heir 
Of all things, to be Heir and to be King 
By sacred unction, thy deserved right. 
Go then, thou mightiest in thyFather's might, 
Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels 
That shake Heaven's basis, bring forth all my war. 
My bow and thunder, my almighty arms 
Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh ; 
Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out 
From all Heaven's bounds into the utter deep; 
There let them learn, as likes them, to despise 
God and Messiah his anointed King.' 

" He said, and on his Son with rays direct 
Shone full ; he all his Father full expressed 
Ineffably into his face received ; 
And thus the filial Godhead answering spake : 

" ' O Father, O supreme of heavenly thrones. 
First, highest, holiest, best ! thou always seek'st 
To glorify thy Son, I always thee. 
As is most just ; this I my glory account, 
My exaltation, and my whole delight, 
That thou in me, well pleased, declar'st thy wiU 
Fulfilled, which to fulfil is all my bliss. 
Sceptre and power, thy giving, I assume 
And gl adlier shall resign, when in the end 
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee 
For ever, and in me all whom thou lov'st : 
But whom thou hat'st, I hate, and can put on 
Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on. 
Image of thee in all things, and shall soon. 
Armed with thy might, rid Heaven of these rebelled, 
To their prepared ill mansion driven down, 



PARADISE LOST. 153 

To chains of darkness, and the undying worm, 

That from thy just obedience could revolt, 

Whom to obey is happiness entire. 

Then shall thy saints unmixed, and from the impure 

Far separate, circling thy holy mount, 

Unfeigned hallelujahs to thee sing. 

Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief.' 

" So said, he, o'er his sceptre bowing, rose 
From the right hand of glory where he sat ; 
And the third sacred morn began to shine, [sound 

Dawning through Heaven :("forth rushed with whirlwind 
The chariot of paternal Dei^, 

Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn, 
Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyed 
By four cherubic shapes ; four faces each 
Had wondrous ; as with stars their bodies all 
And wings were set with eyes, with eyes the wheels 
Of beryl, and careering fires between ; 
Over their heads a crystal firmament, * 

Whereon a sapphire throne, inlaid with pure 
Amber, and colors of the showery arch. 
He, in celestial panoply all armed 
Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought, 
Ascended ; at his right hand victory 
Sat eagle-winged ; beside him hung his bow 
And quiver with three-bolted thunder stored. 
And from about him fierce effusion rolled 
Of smoke, and bickering flame, and sparkles dire : 
Attended with ten thousand thousand saints. 
He onward came ; far off his coming shone ; 
And twenty thousand (I their number heard) 
Chariots of God, half on each hand, were seen : 
He on the wings of cherub rode sublime 
On the crystalline sky, in sapphire throned, 
Illustrious far and wide, but by his own 
First seen ; them unexpected joy surprised, 
When the great ensign of Messiah blazed 
Aloft by angels borne, his sign in Heaven ; 
Under whose conduct Michael soon reduced 
His army, circumfused on either wing, 



154 PARADISE LOST. 

Under their Head embodied all in one. 

Before him power divine his way prepared ; 

At his command the uprooted hills retired 

Each to his place ; they heard his voice, and went 

Obsequious ; Heaven his wonted face renewed, 

And with fresh flowerets hill and valley smiled. 

This saw his hapless foes, but stood obdured, 

And to rebellious fight rallied their powers 

Insensate, hope conceiving from despair. 

In heavenly spirits could such perverseness dwell? 

But to convince the proud what signs avail, 

Or wonders move the obdurate to relent? 

They, hardened more by what might most reclaim, 

Grieving to see his glory, at the sight 

Took envy ; and, aspiring to his height, 

Stood re-embattled fierce, by force or fraud 

Weening to prosper, and at length prevail 

Against God and Messiah, or to fall 

In universal ruin last ; and now 

To final battle drew, disdaining flight. 

Or faint retreat ; when the great Son of God 

To all his host on either hand thus spake : 

" ' Stand still in bright array, ye saints ; here stand. 
Ye angels armed ; this day from battle rest. 
Faithful hath been your warfare, and of God 
Accepted, fearless in his righteous cause ; 
And as ye have received, so have ye done 
Invincibly : but of this cursed crew 
The punishment to other hand belongs ; 
Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints : 
Number to this day's work is not ordained, 
Nor multitude ; stand only and behold 
God's indignation on these godless poured 
By me ; not you, but me, they have despised, 
Yet envied ; against me is all their rage. 
Because the Father, to whom in Heaven supreme 
Kingdom, and power, and glory, appertains. 
Hath honored me according to his will. 
Therefore to me their doom he hath assigned. 
That they may have their wish, to try with me 



PARADISE LOST. 155 

In battle which the strongest proves, they all, 
Or T alone against them, since by strength 
They measure all, of other excellence 
Not emulous, nor care who them excels ; 
Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe.' 

" So spake the Son, and into terror changed 
His countenance too severe to be beheld, 
And full of wrath bent on his enemies. 
At once the four spread out their starry wings 
With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs 
Of his fierce chariot rolled, as with the sound 
Of torrent floods, or of a numerous host. 
He on his impious foes right onward drove, 
Gloomy as night ; under his burning wheels 
The stedfast empyrean shook throughout, 
All but the throne itself of God. Full soon 
Among them he arrived, in his right hand 
Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent 
Before him, such as in their souls infixed 
Plagues ; they, astonished, all resistance lost, 
All courage ; down their idle weapons dropped ; 
O'er shields, and helms, and helmed heads, he rode 
Of thrones and mighty seraphim prostrate, 
That wished the mountains now might be again 
Thrown on them as a shelter from his ire. 
Nor less on either side tempestuous fell 
His arrows, from the fourfold-visaged four 
Distinct with eyes, and from the living wheels 
Distinct alike with multitude of eyes ; 
One spirit in them ruled, and every eye 
Glared lightning, and shot forth pernicious fire 
Among the accursed, that withered all their strength, 
And of their wonted vigor left them drained, 
Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fallen. 
Yet half his strength he put not forth, but checked 
His thunder in mid volley ; for he meant 
Not to destroy, but root them out of Heaven : 
The overthrown he raised, and, as a herd 
Of goats or timorous flock together thronged, 
Drove them before him thunderstruck, pursued 



166 PARADISE LOST. 

With terrors and with furies to the bounds 
And crystal wall of Heaven ; which, opening wide, 
Rolled inward, and a spacious gap disclosed. 
Into the wasteful deep ; the monstrous sight 
Struck them with horror backward, but far worse 
Urged them behind ; headlong themselves they threw 
Down from the verge of Heaven ; eternal wrath 
Burnt after them to the bottomless pit. 

" Hell heard the unsufferable noise ; Hell saw 
Heaven ruining from Heaven, and would have fled 
Affrighted ; but strict fate had cast too deep 
Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound. 
Nine days they fell; confounded Chaos roared, 
And felt tenfold confusion in their fall 
Through his wild anarchy, so huge a rout 
Encumbered him with ruin : Hell at last 
Yawning received them whole, and on them closed; 
Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fire 
Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. 
Disburdened Heaven rejoiced, and soon repaired 
Her mural breach, returning whence it rolled. 
Sole victor, from the expulsion of his foes, 
Messiah his triumphal chariot turned : 
To meet him all his saints, who silent stood 
Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts, 
With jubilee advanced ; and as they went, 
Shaded with branching palm, each order bright 
Sung triumph, and him sung victorious King, 
Son, Heir, and Lord to him dominion given, 
Worthiest to reign : he celebrated rode 
Triumphant through mid Heaven, into the courts 
And temple of his mighty Father throned 
On high ; who into glory him received, 
Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss. 

" Thus measuring things in Heaven by things on earth, 
At thy request, and that thou mayst beware 
By what is past, to thee I have revealed 
What might have else to human race been hid ; 
The discord which befell, and war in Heaven 
Among the angelic powers, and the deep fall 



PARADISE LOST. 157 

Of those too high aspiring, who rebelled 
With Satan ; he who envies now thy state, 
Who now is plotting how he may seduce 
Thee also from obedience, that with him 
Bereaved of happiness thou mayst partake 
His punishment, eternal misery ; 
Which would be all his solace and revenge, 
As a despite done against the most High, 
Thee once to gain companion of his woe. 
But listen not to his temptations ; warn 
Thy weaker ; let it profit thee to have heard 
By terrible example the reward 
Of disobedience ; firm they might have stood. 
Yet fell : remember, and fear to transgress." 



158 PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK VII. 

THE AKGUMENT. 

Raphael, at the request of Adam, relates how and wherefore this world 
was tirst created ; that God, after the expelling of Satan and his angels 
out of Heaven, declared his pleasure to create another world, and other 
creatures to dwell therein ; sends his Son with glory and attendance of 
angels to perform the work of creation in six daj's ; the angels celebrate 
with hymns the performance thereof, and his reasceusion into Heaven. 

Descend from Heaven, Urania, by that name 
If rightly thou art called, whose voice divine 
Following, above the Olympian hill I soar, 
Above the flight of Pegasean wing. 
The meaning, not the name, I call ; for thou 
Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top 
Of old Olympus dwell'st ; but, heavenly born, 
Before the hills appeared, or fountain flowed, 
Thou with eternal Wisdom didst converse. 
Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play 
In presence of the almighty Father, pleased 
With thy celestial song. IJp led by thee 
Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed, 
An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air. 
Thy tempering : with like safety guided down. 
Return me to my native element ; 
Lest from this flying steed unreined (as once 
Bellerophon, though from a lower clime) 
Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall. 
Erroneous there to wonder, and forlorn. 
Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound 
Within the visible diurnal sphere ; 
Standing on earth, not rapt above the pole, 
More safe I sing with mortal voice, unchanged 
To hoarse or mute, though fallen on evil days, 



PARADISE LOST. 



I5d 



On evil days though fallen, and evil tongues ; 
In darkness, and with dangers compassed round. 
And solitude ; yet not alone, while thou 
Visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when morn 
Purples the east : still govern thou my song, 
Urania, and fit audience find, though few. 
But drive far off the barbarous dissonance 
Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race 
Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard 
In Rhodope, where woods and rocks had ears 
To rapture, till the savage clamour drowned 
Both harp and voice ; nor could the Muse defend 
Her son. So fail not thou, who thee implores : 
For thou art heavenly, she an empty dream. 
Say, goddess, what ensued when Raphael, 
The affable archangel, had forewarned 
Adam by dire exami)le to beware 
Apostacy, by what befell in Heaven 
To those apostates, lest the like befall 
In Paradise to Adam or his race. 
Charged not to touch the interdicted tree, 
If they transgress, and slight that sole command. 
So easily obeyed amid the choice 
Of all the taste else to please their appetite, 
Though wandering. He, with his consorted Eve, 
The story heard attentive, and was filled 
With admiration and deep muse, to hear 
Of things so high and strange, things to their thought 
So unimaginable as hate in Heaven, 
And war so near the peace of God in bliss, 
With such confusion ; but the evil, soon 
Driven back, rebounded as a flood on those 
From whom it sprung, impossible to mix 
With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repealed 
The doubts that in his heart arose : and now 
Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know 
What nearer might concern him ; how this world 
Of Heaven and earth conspicuous first began ; 
When, and whereof created ; for what cause ; 
What within Eden, or without, was done 



160 PARADISE LOST. 

Before his memory ; as one whose drouth 
Yet scarce allayed, still eyes the current stream, 
Whose liquid murmur heard, new thirst excites, 
Proceeded thus to ask his heavenly guest : 

" Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, 
Far differing from this world, thou hast revealed, 
Divine interpreter, by favour sent 
Down from the empyrean to forewarn 
Us timely of what might else have been our loss. 
Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach: 
For which to the infinitely Good we owe 
Immortal thanks, and his admonishment 
Receive with solemn purpose to observe 
Immutably his sovereign will, the end 
Of what we are. But since thou hast vouchsafed 
Gently for our instruction to impart 
Things above earthly thought, which yet concerned 
Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seemed, 
Deign to descend now lower, and relate 
What may no less, perhaps, avail us known, 
How first began this Heaven which we behold 
Distant so high, with moving fires adorned 
Innumerable, and this which yields or fills 
All space, the ambient air wide interfused. 
Embracing round this florid earth ; what cause 
Moved the Creator, in his holy rest 
Through all eternity, so late to build 
In Chaos ; and, the work begun, how soon 
Absolved ; if unforbid thou mayst unfold 
What we, not to explore the secrets ask 
Of his eternal empire, but the more 
To magnify his works, the more we know. 
And the great light of day yet wants to run 
Much of his race though steep ; suspense in HeaveDj 
Held by thy voice, thy potent voice, he hears, 
And longer will delay to hear thee tell 
His generation, and the rising birth 
Of nature from the unapparent deep : 
Or if the star of evening and the moon 
Haste to thy audience, niglit with her will bring 



PARADISE LOST. 161 

Silence, and sleep listening to thee will watch, 
Or we can bid his absence, till thy song 
End, and dismiss thee ere the morning shine." 

Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought ; 
And thug the godlike angel answered mild : 
" This also thy request, with caution asked, 
Obtain : though to recount almighty works 
What words or tongue of seraph can suffice, 
Or heart of man suffice to comprehend ? 
Yet what thou canst attain, which best may servo 
To glorify the Maker, and infer 
Thee also happier, shall not be withheld 
Thy hearing : such commission from above 
I have received, to answer thy desire 
Of knowledge within bounds ; beyond, abstain 
To ask, nor let thine own inventions hoi)e 
Things not revealed, which the invisible King, 
Only omniscient, hath suppressed in night, 
To none communicable in earth or Heaven : 
Enough is left besides to search and know. 
But knowledge is as food, and needs no less 
Her temperance over appetite, to know 
In measure what the mind may well contain; 
Oppresses else w^ith surfeit, and soon turns 
Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. 

" Know, then, that after Lucifer from Heaven 
(So call him, brighter once amidst the host 
Of angels, than that star the stars among) 
Fell with his flaming legions through the deep 
Into his place, and the great Son returned 
Victorious with his saints, the omnipotent 
Eternal Father from his throne beheld 
Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake : 

" ' At least .our envious foe hath failed, who thought 
All like himself rebellious, by whose aid 
This inaccessible high strength, the seat 
Of Deity supreme, us dispossessed, 
I[e trusted to have seized, and into fraud 
Drew many, whom their place knows here no more ; 
Yet far the greater part have kejit, I see, 

11 



162 PARADISE LOST. 

Their station ; Heaven yet populous retains 

Number sufficient to possess her reabns 

Though wide, and this high temple to frequent 

With ministries due and solemn rites : 

But lest his heart exalt him in the harm 

Already done, to have dispeopled Heaven, 

My damage fondly deemed, I can repair 

That detriment, if such it be to lose 

^elf-lost, and in a moment will create 

Anotlier world, out of one man a race 

Of innumerable, there to dwell. 

Not here, till by degrees of merit raised 

They open to themselves at length the way 

Up hither, under long obedience tried. 

And earth be changed to Heaven, and Heaven to earth. 

One kingdom, joy and union without end. 

Meanwhile inhabit lax, ye jjowers of Heaven ; 

And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee 

This I perform ; speak thou, and be it done : 

My overshadowing Spirit and inight with thee 

I send along ; ride forth, and bid the deep 

Within appointed bounds be Pleaven and earth ; 

Boundless the deep, because I am who fill 

Infinitude, nor vacuous the space. 

Though I, uncircurascribed myself, retire, 

And put not forth my goodness, which is free 

To act or not, necessity and chance 

Approach not me, and what I will is fate.' 

" So spake the Almighty, and to what he spake 
His Word, the filial Godhead, gave effect. 
Immediate are the acts of God, more swift 
Than time or motion, but to human ears 
Cannot without process of speech be told, 
So told as earthly notion can receive. 
Great triumph and rejoicing was in Heaven, 
When such was heard declared the Almighty's will ; 
Glory they sung to the most High, good will 
To future men, and in their dwellings peace ; 
Glory to him, whose just avenging ire 
Had di'iven out thy ungodly from his sight, 



PARADISE LOST. 163 

And the liabitations of the just ; to him 
Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordained 
Good out of evil to create, instead 
Of spirits malign a better race to bring 
Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse 
His good to worlds and ages infinite. 

" So sang the hierarchies : meanwhile the Son 
On his great expedition now appeared, 
Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crowned 
Of majesty divine ; sapience and love 
Immense, and all his Father in him shone. 
About his chariot numberless were poured 
Cherub and seraph, potentates and thrones, 
And virtues, winged spirits, and chai'iots Avinged 
From the armoury of God, where stand of old 
Myriads between two brazen mountains lodged 
Against a solemn day, harnessed at hand, 
Celestial equipage ; and now came forth 
Spontaneous, for within them spirit lived,. 
Attendant on their Lord ; Heaven opened wide 
Her ever-during gates, harmonious sound 
On golden hinges moving, to let forth 
The King of Glory, in his pow^erful Word 
And Spirit coming to create new worlds. 
On heavenly ground they stood, and from the shore 
They viewed the vast immeasurable abyss 
Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild. 
Up from the bottom turned by furious winds 
And surging waves, as mountains, to assault 
Heaven's height, and with the centre mix the pole. 

" ' Silence, ye troubled waves ! and thm deep, peace I 
Said then the omnific Word : ' your discord end!' 
Nov stayed, but on the wings of cherubim 
Uplifted, in paternal glory rode 
Far into Chaos, and the world unborn ; 
For Chaos heard his voice : him all his train 
Followed in bright procession, to behold 
Creation, and the wonders of his might. 
Then stayed the fervid wheels, and in his hand 
He took the golden compasses, prepared 



164 PARADISE LOST. 

In God's eternal store, to ciriimscribe 
Tliis universe, and all created things : 
One foot he centered, and the other turned 
Round throuoli the vast profoundity obscure, 
And said : ' Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, 
This be thy just circumference, O world.' 
Thus God the Heaven created, thus the earth, 
Matter unformed and void : darkness profound 
Covered the abyss ; but on the watery calm 
His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread, 
And vital virtue infused, and vital warmth 
Througliout the fluid mass, but downward purged 
The black tartarous cold infernal dregs, 
Adverse to life : then founded, then conglobed 
Like things to like, to several place 
Disparted, and between spun out the air. 
And earth self-balanced on her centre hung. 

" ' Let tliere be light ! ' said God, and forthwith light 
Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure, 
Sprung from the deep, and from her native east 
To journey through the airy gloom began, 
Sphered in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun 
Was not ; she in a cloudy tabernacle 
Sojourned the while. God saw the light was good; 
And light from darkness by the hemisphere 
Divided : light the day, and darkness night 
He named. Thus was the first day even and mom: 
Nor passed uncelebrated, nor unsung 
My the celestial quires, when orient light 
Exhaling first from darkness they beheld ; 
Siyth-day of Heaven and earth; with joy and shout 
The hollow universal orb they filled. 
And touched their golden harps, and liymning praised 
God and his works ; Creator him they sung. 
Both when first evening was, and when first morn. 

" Again, God said, ' Let there be firmament 
Amid the waters, and let it divide 
The waters from the waters !' and God made 
The firmament, expanse of liquid, pure, 
Transparent, elemental air, diffused 



PARADISE LOST. 16i> 

In circuit to the uttermost convex 
Of tliis great round ; partition firm and sure, 
The waters underneath from those above 
Dividing : for as earth, so he the world 
Built on circumfluous waters calm, in wide 
Crystalline ocean : and the loud misrule 
Of Chaos far removed, lest fierce extremes 
Contiguous might distemper the whole Lrame : 
And Heaven he named the firmament : so even 
And morning chorus sung the second day. 

" The earth was formed, but in the womb as yet 
Of waters, embryon immature involved, 
Appeared not : over all the face of earth 
Main ocean flowed, not idle, but, with warm 
Prolific humor softening all her globe. 
Fermented the great mother to conceive. 
Satiate with genial moisture, when God said, 
*■ Be gathered now, ye waters under Heaven, 
Into one place, and let dry land appear ! ' 
Immediately the mountains huge appear 
Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave 
Into the clouds ; their tops ascend the sky : 
So high as heaved the tumid hills, so low 
Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep, 
Capacious bed of waters : thither they 
Hasted with glad precipitance, uprolled 
As drops on dust conglobing from the dry ; 
Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge direct. 
For haste ; such flight the great command impressed 
On the swift floods ; as armies at the call 
Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard) 
Troop to their standard, so the watery throng, 
Wave rolling after wave, where way they found. 
If steep, with torrent rapture ; if through plain, 
Soft ebbing ; nor withstood them rock or hili, 
But they, or under ground, or circuit wide 
With serpent error wandering, found their way, 
And on the washy ooze deep channels wore ; 
Easy, ere God had bid the ground be dry. 
All but within those banks, where rivers now 



166 PARADISE LOST. 

Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train. 

The dry land, earth, and the great recej^tacle 

Of congregated waters he called seas : 

And saw that it was good, and said, ' Let the earth 

Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, 

And fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind, 

Whose seed is in herself upon the earth ! ' 

He scaroe had said, when the bare earth, till then 

Desert and bare, unsisfhtly, unadorned. 

Brought forth the tender ^rass, whese verdure clad 

Her universal face with pleasant green ; 

Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flowered 

Opening their various colors, and made gay 

Her bosom, smelling sweet : and, these scarce blown, 

Forth flourished thick the clustering vine, forth crept 

The smelling gourd, up stood the corny reed 

Embattled in her field ; and the humble shrub, 

And bush with frizzled hair implicit; last 

Rose as in dance the stately trees, and spread 

Their branches hung with copious fruit, or gemmed 

Their blossoms ; with high woods the hills were crowned, 

With tufts the valleys and each fountain side, 

With borders long the rivers ; that earth now 

Seemed like to Heaven, a seat where gods might dwell, 

Or wander with delight, and love to haunt 

Her sacred shades : though God had yet not rained 

Upon the earth, and man to till the ground 

None was, but from the earth a dewy mist 

Went up and watered all the ground, and each 

Plant of the field, which, ere it was in the earth 

God made, and every herb, before it grew 

On the green stem ; God saw that it w^'^s good : 

So even and morn recorded the third day. 

" Again the Almighty spake : ' Let there be lights 
High in the expanse of Heaven, to divide 
The day from night ; and let them be for signs. 
For seasons, and for days, and circling years ; 
And let them be for lights, as I ordain 
Their oflice in the firmament of Heaven 
To give light on the earth ! ' and it was so. 



I'ARADlSE LOSl". 167 

And God made two great lights, great for their use 
To man, the greater to have rule by day, 
The less by night altern ; and made the stars, 
And set them in the firmament of Heaven 
To illuminate the earth, and rule the day 
In their vicissitude, and rule the night. 
And light from darkness to divide. God saw. 
Surveying his great work, that it was good : 
For of celestial bodies first the sun 
A mighty sphere he framed, unlightsome first, 
Though of ethereal mould : then formed the moon 
Globose, and every magnitude of stars. 
And sowed with stars the Heaven thick as a field; 
Of light by far the greater part he took. 
Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, and placed 
In the sun's orb, made porous to receive 
And drink the liquid light, firm to retain 
Her gathered beams, great palace now of light. 
Hitlier, as to their fountain, other stars 
Re}).'iiring, in their golden urns draw light, 
And hence the morning planet gilds her horns ; 
By tincture of reflection they augment 
Tlieir small peculiar, though from human sight 
So far remote, with diminution seen. 
^ First in his east the glorious lamp was seen, 
Regent of day, and all the horizon round 
Invested with bright rays, jocund to run 
His longitude through Heaven's high road ; the gray 
Dawn and the Pleiades before him danced. 
Shedding sweet influence : less bright the moon, 
But opposite in levelled west was set. 
His mirror, with full face borrowing her light 
From him, for other light she needed none 
In that aspect, and still that distance keeps 
Till night, then in the east her turn she shines, 
Revolved on Heaven's great axle, and her reign 
With thousand lesser lights dividual holds. 
With f.housand thousand stars, that then appeared 
Spangling the hemisphere : then first adorned 
With their bright luminaries that set and rose, 



168 PARADISE LOST. 

Glad evening and glad morn crowned the fourth day. • 
" And God said : ' Let the waters generate ^ 

Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul : 
And let fo\\ 1 fly above the earth, with wings 
Displayed on the open firmament of Heaven ! 
And God created the great whales, and each 
Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously 
The waters generated by their kinds, 
And every bird of wing after his kind ; 
And saw that it was good, and bless'd them, saying: 
' Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas 
And lakes, and running streams, the waters fill ; 
And let the fowl be multiplied on the earth ! ' 
Fortliwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay, 
With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals 
Of fish that with their fins and shining scales 
Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft 
Bank the mid sea ; part single, or with mate, 
Graze the sea-weed their pasture, and through groves 
Of coral spray, or sporting with quick glance 
Show to the sun their waved coats dropt with gold, 
Or, in their pearly shells at ease, attend 
Moist nutriment, "or under rocks their food 
In jointed armour watch; on smooth the seal 
And bended dolphins play: part huge of bulk 
Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait, 
Tempest the ocean ; there leviathan, 
Ilugest of living creatures, on the deep 
Stretched like a promontory, sleeps or swims, 
And seems a moving land, and at his gills 
Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out, a sea. 
Meanwliile the tepid caves, and fens, and shores, 
Hieir lu-ood as numerous hatch, from the egg that soon 
Bursting with kindly rupture forth disclosed 
Their callow young ; but feathered soon and fledge, 
They summed their pens, and, soaring the air sublime 
With clang despised the ground, under a cloud 
In prospect ; there the eagle and the stork 
On cliffs and cedar tops their eyries build : 
Part loosely wing the region, part more wise 



PAKADISE LOST. 1( 

In common, ranged in figure, wedge their way, 

Intelligent of seasons, and set forth 

Their airy caravan, high over seas 

Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 

Easing their flight ; so steers tho prudent crane 

Her annual voyage, borne on winds ; the air 

Floats, as they pass, fanned with unnumbered plumes r 

From branch to branch the smaller birds with song 

Solaced the woods, and spread their painted wings 

Till even, nor then the solemn nightingale 

Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft lays ; 

Others on silver lakes and rivers bathed 

Their downy breast ; the swan with arched neck 

Between her white wings mantling proudly, rows 

Her state with oary feet ; yet oft they quit 

The dank, and, rising on stiff pennons, tower 

The mid aerial sky : others on ground 

Walked firm ; the crested cock, whose clarion sounds 

The silent hours, and the other whose gay train 

Adorns him, coloured with the florid hue 

Of rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus 

With fish replenished, and the air with fowl, 

Evening and morn solemnized the fifth day. 

" The sixth, and of creation last, arose 
With evening harjos and matin, when God said : 
' Let the earth biing forth soul living in her kind, 
Cattle, and creeping things, and beast of the earth, 
Each in their kind ! ' The earth obeyed, and straight 
Opening her fertile womb, teemed at a birth 
Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms. 
Limbed and full grown : out of the ground up rose. 
As from his lair, the wild beast, where he wons 
In forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den ; 
Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walked : 
The cattle in the fields and meadows green : 
Those rare and solitary, these in flocks 
Pasturing at once, and in broad herds upsprung. 
The grassy clods now calved, now half appeared 
The tawny lion, pawing to get free 
His hinder parts, then springs as broke from bonds, 



170 PARADISE LOST. 

And rampart shakes his brinded main ; the ounce, 

The libbard, and the tiger, as the mole 

Rising, the crumbled earth above them threw 

In hillocks : the swift stag from underground 

Bore up his branching head : scarce from his mould 

l^ehemoth, bigijest born of earth, upheaved 

His vastness : fleeced the flocks and bleating rose, 

As plants : ambiguous between sea and land 

The river-horse and scaly crocodile. 

At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, 

Insect or worm : those waved their limber fans 

For wings, and smallest lineaments exact 

In all the liveries decked of summer's pride 

With spots of gold and purple, azure and green ; 

These as a line'their long dimension drew, 

Streaking the ground with sinuous trace ; not all 

Minims of nature : some of serpent kind, 

Wondrous in length and corpulence, involved 

Their snaky folds, and added wings. First crept 

The parsimonious emmet, provident 

Of future, in small room large heart enclosed ; 

Pattern of just equality perhaps 

Hereafter, joined in her popular tribes 

Of commonalty : swarming next appeared 

The female bee, that feeds her husband drone 

Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells 

With honey stored : the rest are numberless. 

And thou their natures know'st, and gav'st them names, 

Needless to thee repeated ; nor unknown 

The serpent, subtlest beast of the field, 

Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes 

And hairy man^ terrific, though to thee 

Not noxious, but obedient at thy call. 

" Now Heaven in all her glory shone, and rolled 
Her motions, as the great first Mover's hand 
First wheeled their course ; earth in her rich attire 
Consummate lovely smiled ; air, water, earth. 
By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swum, was walked 
Frequent; and of the sixth day yet remained: 
There w anted yet the master-work, the end 



PAKADISE LOST. 171 

Of all yet done; a creature who, not prone 

And brute as other creatures, but endued 

With sanctity of reason, might erect 

His stature, and upright with front serene 

Govern the rest, self-knowing ; and from thence 

Magnanimous to correspond with Heaven, 

But grateful to acknowledge whence his good 

Descends ; thifher with heart, and voice, and eyes 

Directed in devotion, to adore 

And worship God supreme, who made him chief 

Of all his works ; therefore the Omnipotent 

Eternal Father (for where is not he 

Present ?) thus to his Son audibly spake : 

" ' Let us make now ma^i in our image, man 
In our similitude, and let tjiem rule 
Over the fish and fowl of sea and air, 
Beast of the field, and over all the earth, 
And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.' 
This said, he formed thee, Adam ; thee, O man, 
Dust of .the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed 
The breath of life ; in his own image he 
Created thee, in the image of God 
Express, and thou becam'st a living soul. 
Male he created thee, but thy consort 
Female, for race ; then bless'd mankind, and said : 
' Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth ; 
Subdue it, and throughout dominion hold 
Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air, 
And every living thing that moves on the earth.' 
Wherever thus created, for no place 
Is yet distinct by name, thence, as thou know'st, 
He brought thee into this delicious grove, 
This garden, planted with the trees of God 
Delectable both to behold and taste ; 
And freely all their pleasant fruit for food 
Gave thee ; all sorts are here that all the earth yields* 
Variety without end ; but of the tree 
Which, tasted, works knowledge of good and evil, 
Thou mayst not; in the day thou eat'st, thou diest* 
Death is the penalty imposer" : beware, 



172 PARADISE LOST. 

And govern well thy appetite; lest Sin 
Surpi-ise thee, and her black attendant Death. 
" Here finished he, and all that he had made 
Viewed, and behold all was entirely good ; 
So even and morn accomplished the sixth day : 
Yet not till the Creator, from his work 
Desisting, thongh unwearied, wp returned, 
Up to the Heaven of Heavens, his high al^ode, 
Thence t(> behold this new-created world, 
The addition of his empire, how it showed 
hi prospect from his throne, how good, how fair, 
Answering his great idea. Up he rode, 
Followed with acclamation, and the sound 
Symphonious of ten thousand harps that tuned 
Angelic harmonies : the earth, the air. 
Resounded (thou rememberest, for thou heard'st). 
The Heavens and all the constellations rung, 
The planets in their station listening stood, 
While the bright pomp ascended jubilant. 
' Open, ye everlasting gates ! ' they sung ; 
' Open, ye Heavens, your living doors ; let in 
The great Creator from his work returned 
Magnificent, his six days' work, a world ; 
Open, and henceforth oft ; for God will deign 
To visit oft the dwellings of just men 
Delighted, and with frequent intercourse 
Thither will send his winged messengers 
On errands of supernal grace.' So sung 
The glorious train ascending : He through Heaven, 
That opened wide her blazing portals, led 
To God's eternal house direct the way ; 
A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold. 
And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear, 
Seen in the galaxy, that milky way. 
Which nightly as a circling zone thou seest 
Powdered with stars.x And now on earth the seventh 
Evening arose in Eden, for the sun 
Was set, and twilight from the east came on, 
Forerunning night ; when at the holy mount 
Of Heaven's high-seated top, the imperial throne 



PARADISE LOST. 173 

Of Godhead, fixed for ever firm and sure, 

The Fihal Power arrived, and sat him down 

With Ins great Father ; for he also went 

Invisible, yet stayed (such privilege 

Hath Omnipresence), and the work ordained, . 

Author and end of all things, and from work 

Now resting, blessed and hallowed the seventh daj^ 

As resting on that day from all his work, 

But not in silence holy kept ; the harp 

Had work, and rested not ; the solemn pipe, 

And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop, 

All sounds on fret by string or golden wire. 

Tempered soft tunings, intermixed with voice 

Choral or unison ; of incense clouds, 

Fuming from golden censers, hid the mount. 

Creation and the six days' acts they sung : 

' Great are thy works, Jehovah ! infinite 

Thy power ! what thought can measure thee, or tongas 

Relate thee ? Greater now in thy return 

Than from the giant angels : thee that day 

Thy thunders magnified ; but to create 

Is greater than created to destroy. 

Who can impair thee, mighty King, or bound 

Thy empire ? Easily the proud attempt 

Of spirits apostate and their counsels vain 

Thou hast repelled, while impiously they thought 

Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw 

The number of thy worshippers. Who seeks 

To lessen thee, against his purpose serves 

To manifest the more thy might : his evil 

Thou usest, and from thence creat'st more good. 

Witness this mew-made world, another Heaven 

From Heaven-gate not far, founded in view 

On the clear hyaline, the glassy sea ; 

Of am]>litude almost immense, with stars 

Numerous, and every star perhaps a world 

Of destined habitation ; but thou know'st 

Tlieir seasons : among these the seat of men, 

Earth, with her nether ocean circumfused. 

Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy men, 



174 PARADISE LOST. 

And sons of men, whom God hath thus advanced, 

Created in his image, tliere to dwell 

And worship him, and in reward to rule 

Over his works, on earth, in sea, or air, 

And multiply a race of worshippers 

Holy and just ; thrice happy if they know 

Their happiness, and perse\'ere upright ! ' 

" So sung they, and the empyrean rung 
With hallelujahs : thus was sabbath kept. 
And thy request think now fulfilled, that asked 
How first this world and face of things began, 
And what before thy memory was done 
From the beginning, that posterity 
Informed by thee might know : if else thou seek'st 
Aught, not surpassing human measure, say." 



PARADISE LOST. 175 



BOOK YIII. 



THE ARGUMENT. 



Adam inquires concerning celestial motions, is dc abtfully answered, 
and ex oited to search rather things more worthy of knowledge. Adam 
assents, and, still desirous to detain Raphael, relates to liini what he re- 
membered since his own creation, his placing in Paradise, his talk with 
God concerning solitude and fit society, his first meeting and nuptials 
with Eve, his discourse with the angel thereupon, who, after admonitions 
repeated, departs. 

The angel ended, and in Adam's ear 
So charming left his voice, that he a while 
Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to hear; 
Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied : 

" What thanks sufficient, or what recompense 
Equal have I to render thee, divine 
Historian, who thus largely hast allayed 
The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed 
This friendly condescension to relate 
Things else by me unsearchable, now heard 
"^A'ith wonder, but delight, and, as is due, 
With glory attributed to the high 
Cieator? Something yet of doubt remains, 
Which only thy solution can resolve. 
V\Tien I beiiold this goodly frame, this world 
Of Heaven and earth consisting, and compute 
Their magnitudes>this earth a spot, a grain, 
An atom, with the firmament compared 
'.\nd all her numbered stars, that seem to roll 
S]-aces incomprehensible (for such 
] heii- distance argues, and their swift return 
i iurnal), merely to ofiiciate light 
Round this opacous earth, this punctual spot, 



176 PARADISE LOST, 

One day and night, in all their vast survey 

Useless besides ; reasoning I oft admire, 

How nature, wise and frugal, could commit 

Such disproportions, with superfluous hand 

So many nobler bodies to create. 

Greater so manifold, to this one use, 

For aught appears, and on their orbs impose 

Such restless revolution day by day 

Re|)eated ; while the sedentary earth, 

That better might with far less compass move, 

Served by more noble than herself, attains 

Her end without least motion, and receives, 

As tribute, such a sumless journey brought 

Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light ; 

Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails." 

So spake our sire, and by his countenance seemed 
Entering on studious thoughts abstruse, which Eve 
Perceiving, where she sat retired in sight, 
With lowliness majestic from her seat. 
And grace that won who saw to wish her stay, 
Rose, and went forth among her fruits and flowers, 
To visit how they prospered, bud and bloom, 
Her nursery ; they at her coming sprung, 
And, touched by her fair tendance, gladlier grew. 
Yet went she not, as not with such discourse 
Delighted, or not capable her ear 
Of what was high ; such pleasure she reserved, 
Adam relating, she sole auditress : 
Her husband the relater she preferred 
Before the angel, and of him to ask 
Chose rather : he, she knew, would intermix 
Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute 
With conjugal caresses ; from his lip 
Not words alone pleased her. Oh ! when meet now 
Such ])airs, in love and mutual honour joined ? 
With goddess-like demeanour forth she went, \ 

Not unattended, for on her as queen 
A pom}) of winning graces waited still, 
And from about her shot darts of desire 
Into all eyes to wish her still in sight. 



PARADISE LOST. 177 

And Raphael now, to Adam's doubt proposed, 
Benevolent and facile thus replied : 

" To ask or search I blame thee not, for Heaven 
Is as the book of God before thee set. 
Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn 
His seasons, hours, or days, or months, or years : 
This to attain, whether Heaven move or earth 
Imports not, if thou reckon right ; the rest 
From man or angel the great Architect 
Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge 
His secrets to be scanned by them who ought 
Rather admire ; or if they list to try 
Conjecture, he his fabric of the Heavens 
Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move 
His laughter at their quaint opinions wide 
Hereafter, when they come to model Heaven 
And calculate the stars, how they will wield 
The mighty frame ; how build, unbuild, contrive 
To save appearances ; how gird the sphere 
With centric and eccentric scribbled o'er, 
Cycle and epicycle, orb in orb : 
Already by thy reasoning this I guess, 
Who art to lead thy offspring, and supposest 
That bodies bright and greater should not serve 
The less not bright, nor Heaven such journeys ruili 
Earth sitting still, when she alone receives 
The benefit. Consider first, that great 
Or bright infers not excellence : the earth 
Though, in comparison of Heaven, so small. 
Nor glistering, may of solid good contain 
More plenty than the sun that barren shines, 
Whose virtue on itself works no effect. 
But in the fruitful earth ; there first received. 
His beams, unactive else, their vigour find. 
Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries 
Oflicious, but to thee, earth's habitant. 
And for the Heaven's wide circuit, let it speak 
The Maker's high magnificence, who built 
So spacious, and his line stretched out so far ; 
That man may know he dwells in his own ; 

12 



178 PARADISE LOST. 

An edifice too large for him to fill, 

Lodged in a small partition, and the rest 

Ordained for uses to his Lord best known. 

The swiftness of those circles attribute. 

Though numberless, to his omnipotence, 

Tliat to corporeal substance could add 

Speed almost spiritual : me thou think'st not slow, 

Who since the morning hour set out from Heav'n, 

Where God resides, and ere raid-day arrived 

In Eden, distance inexpressible 

By numbers that have name. But this I urge, 

Admitting motion in the Heavens, to show 

Invalid that which thee to doubt it moved ; 

Not that I so aftirm, though so it seem 

To thee who hast thy dwelling here on earth. . 

God, to remove his ^^ays from human sense. 

Placed Heaven from earth so far, that earthly sight, 

If it presume, might err in things too high, 

And no advantage gain. What if the sun 

Be centre to the world, and other stars, 

By his attractive virtue and their own 

Incited, dance about him various rounds? 

Their wandering course now higli, now low, then hid, 

Progressive, retrograde, or standing still. 

In six thou seest; and what if seventh to these 

The planet earth, so steadfast though she seem, 

Insensibly three different motions move ? 

Which else to several spheres thou must ascribe. 

Moved contrary with thv^art obliquities. 

Or save the sun his labour, and that swift 

Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb supposed 

Invisible else, above all stars, the w^heel 

Of day and night ; which needs not thy belief 

If earth industrious of lierself fetch day 

Travelling east, and with her part averse 

From the sun's beam meet night, her other part 

Still luminous by his ray. What if that light, 

Sent from her through the wide transpicuous air. 

To tlie terrestrial moon be as a star 

Enlightening her by day, as she by night 



t»AKADISE LOST. 179 

This earth (^ reciprocal, if land be there, 
Fields and inhabitants : her spots thon seest 
As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce 
Fruits in her softened soil, for some to eat 
Allotted there ; and other suns, perhaps. 
With their attendant moons thou wilt descry, 
Communicating male and female light, 
"Which two great sexes animate the world, 
Stored in each orb, perhaps, with some that live. 
For such vast room in nature unpossessed 
By living soul, desert and desolate. 
Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute 
Each orb a glimpse of light, conveyed so far 
Down to this habitable, which returns 
Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. 
But whether thus these things, or whether not ; 
Whether the sun predominant in Heaven 
Rise on the eartli, or earth rise on the sun ; 
He from the east his flaming road begin, 
Or she from west her silent course ad vane** 
With inoffensive pace that spinning sleeps 
On her soft axle, while she paces even. 
And bears thee soft with the smooth air along; 
Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid ; 
Leave them to God above, him serve and fear: 
Of other creatures, as him pleases best. 
Wherever placed, let him dispose : joy thou 
In what he gives to thee, this Paradise 
AnlJ:Jthy fair Eve ; Heaven is for thee too high 
To know what jDasses there ; be lowly wise : 
Think only what concerns thee and thy being; 
Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there 
Live, in wha^j^te, condition, or degree, 
Contented th^Bhus far hath been revealed 
Not of earth only, but of highest Heaven. 

To whom thus Adam, cleared of doubt, replied : 
" How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure 
Intelligence of Heaven, angel serene! 
And, freed from intricacies, taught to live 
The easiest " vay, nor with perplexing thoughts 



180 PARADISE LOST. 

To interrupt the sweet of life, from which 

God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares, 

And not molest us, unless we ourselves 

Seek them with wandering thoughts, and notions vain. 

But apt the mind or fancy is to rove 

Unchecked, and of her roving is no end ; 

Till warned, or by experience taught, she learn, 

That not to know at large of things remote 

From use, obscure and subtle, but to know 

That which before us lies in daily life. 

Is the prime wisdom ; what is more, is fume 

Or emjjtiness, or fond impertinence. 

And renders us in things that most concern 

Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek. 

Therefore from this high pitch let us descend 

A lower flight, and speak of things at hand 

Useful, whence haply mention may arise 

Of something not unseasonable to ask 

By sufferance, and thy wonted favour deigned. 

Thee I have heard relating what was done 

Ere my remembrance : now hear me relate 

My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard ; 

And day is yet not spent ; till then thou seest 

How subtly to detain thee I devise, 

Inviting thee to hear while I relate, 

Fond, were it not in hope of thy rej^ly : 

For while I sit with thee, 1 seem in Heaven, 

And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear jg 

Than fruits of palm-tree pleasantest to thirst fP 

And hunger both, from labour, at the hour 

Of sweet repast : they satiate, and soon fill. 

Though pleasant ; but thy words, with grace divine 

Imbued, bring to their sweetness no satietj||| 

To whom thus Raphael answered heav^jjjP meek : 
'' Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men^ 
Nor tongue ineloquent ; for God on thee 
Abundantly his gifts hath also poured 
Inward and outward both, his image fair ; 
Speaking or mute all comeliness and grace 
Attends thee, and each word, each motion forms ; 



PARADISE LOST. 181 

Nor less think we in Heaven of thee on earth 

Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire 

Gladly into the ways of God with man : 

For God we see hath honoured thee, and set 

On man his equal love ; say therefore on, 

For I that day was absent, as befell, 

Bo and on a voyage uncouth and obscure, 

Far on excursion toward the gates of Hell ; 

Squared in full legion (such command we had) 

To see that none thence issued forth a spy, 

Or enemy, while God was in his work ; 

Lest he, incensed at such eruption bold. 

Destruction with creation might have mixed. 

Not that they durst without his leave attempt, 

But us he sends upon his high behests 

For state, as sovran King, and to inure 

Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut 

The dismal gates, and barricadoed strong ; 

But long ere our approaching heard within 

Noise, other than the sound of dance or song, 

Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage. 

Glad we returned up to the coasts of light 

Ere sabbath evening : so we had in charge. 

But thy relation now ; for I attend, 

Pleased with thy words no less than thou with mine." 

So spake the godlike power, and thus our sire : 
" For man to tell how human life began 
lafcard ; for who himself beginning knew ? 
rUre with thee still longer to converse 
Induced me. As new waked from soundest sleep, 
Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid 
In bamly sweat, which with his beams the sun 
Soon dried, JM on the reeking moisture fed.^ 
Straight to^^R Heaven my wondering eyes I turned. 
And gazed a while the ample sky; till, raised 
By quick instinctive motion, up I sprung, 
As thithervvai-d endeavouring, and upright 
Stood on my feet ; about me round I saw 
Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains, 
And liquid lapse of murmuring streams; by these 



182 PARADISE LOST. 

Creatures that lived, and moved, and walked, or flew, 
Birds on the branches warbling ; all things smiled ; 
With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflowed. 
Myself I then perused, and limb by limb 
Surveyed, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran 
With supple joints, as lively vigour led : 
But who I was, or where, or from what cause, 
Knew not ; to speak I tried, and forthwith spake ; 
My tongue obeyed, and readily could name 
Whate'er I saw. ' Thou sun,' said I, ' fair light, 
And thou enlightened earth, so fresh and gay, 
Ye hills and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains, 
And ye that live and move, fair creatures, tell, 
Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here ? 
Not of myself ; by some great Maker, then, 
In goodness and in power pre-eminent ; 
Tell me, how may I know him, how adore, 
Fro m^ whom I have that thus I move and live. 
And feel that I am happier than I know ? ' 
While thus I called, and strayed I knew not whither 
From where I first drew air, and first beheld 
This happy light, when answer none returned, 
On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers, 
Pensive I sat me down ; there gentle sleep 
First found me, and with soft oppression seized 
My drowsied sense, untroubled, though I thought 
I then was passing to my former state 
Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve : i 

When suddenly stood at my head a dream, f 

Whose inward apparition gently moved 
My fancy to believe I yet had being, 
And lived : One came, methought, of shape divine. 
And said, 'ijhy mansion wants thee, Adajjjkrise, 
First man, of men innumerable ordained ^P 
First father ! called by thee, I come thy guide 
;iTo the garden of bliss, thy seat prepared.' 
So saying, by the hand he took me raised. 
And over fields and waters, as in air 
Smooth sliding without step, last led me up 
A woody mountain, whose high top was plain, 



PARADISE LOST. 183 

A circuit wide, enclosed, with goodliest trees 

Planted, with walks, and bowers, that what I saw 

Of earth before scarce pleasant seemed. Each treo 

Loaden with fairest fruit, that hung to the eye 

Tempting, stirred in me sudden appetite 

To pluck and eat ; whereat I waked, and found 

Before mine eyes all real, as the dream 

Had lively shadowed : here had new begun 

My wandering, had not he who was my guide 

Up hither, from among the trees appeared, 

Presence divine. Rejoicing, but with awe, 

In adoration at his feet I fell 

Submiss : he reared me, and ' Whom thou sought'st I am,' 

Said mildly, ' Author of all this thou seest 

Above, or round about thee, or beneath. 

This Paradise I give thee ; count it thine 

To till and keep, and of the fruit to eat : 

Of every tree that in the garden grows 

Eat freely with glad heart : fear here no dearth : 

But of the tree whose operation brings 

Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set 

The pledge of thy obediemce and thy faith, 

Amid the garden by the tree of life. 

Remember what I warn thee, shun to taste, 

And shun the bitter consequence; for know. 

The day thou eat'st thereof, my sole command 

Transgressed, inevitably thou shalt die. 

From that day mortal; and this happy state 

Shalt lose, expelled from hence into a world 

Of woe and sorrow.' Sternly he pronounced 

The rigid interdiction, which resounds 

Yet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choice 

Not to incur ; but soon his clear aspect 

Returned, affd gracious purpose thus renewed : 

* Not only these fair bounds, but all the earth, 

To thee and to thy race I give ; as lords 

Possess it, and all things that therein live, 

Or live in sea, or air, beast, fish, and fowl. 

In sign whereof each bird and beast behold 

After their kinds. I bring them to receive 



184 PARADISE LOST. 

From thee their names, and pay thee fealty 
With low subjection : understand the same 
Of fish within their watery residence, 
Not hither summoned, since they cannot change 
Their element to draw the thinner air.' 

" As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold 
Approaching two and two ; these cowering low 
With blandishment; each bird stopped on his wing. 
I named them, as they passed, and understood 
Their nature, with such knowledge God endued 
My sudden apprehension : but in these 
I found not what methought I wanted still ; 
And to the heavenly vision thus presumed : 

" ' O by what name, for thou above all these, 
Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher, 
Surpassest far my naming ; how may I 
Adore thee, Author of this universe. 
And all this good to man ? for whose well being 
So amply, and with hands so liberal. 
Thou hast provided all things : but with me 
I see not who partakes. In solitude 
What happiness ? who can enjoy this alone, 
Or all enjoying, what contentment find?' 
Thus I presumptuous ; and the Vision bright, 
As with a smile more brightened, thus replied : 

" ' What call'st thou solitude ? Is not the earth 
With various living creatures, and the air, 
ReiDlenished, and all these at thy command 
To come and play before thee ? Know'st thou not 
Their language and their ways ? They also know, 
And reason not contemptibly : with these 
Find pastime, and bear rule ; thy realm is large.' 
So spake the universal Lord, and seemed 
So ordering. I, with leave of speech implol%d 
And humble deprecation, thus replied : 

" ' Let not my words offend thee, heavenly Power, 
My Maker, be propitious while I speak. 
Hast thou not made me here thy substitute, 
And these inferior far beneath me set ? 
Among unequals what society 



PABADISE LOST. 185 

Can sort, what harmony or true delight ? 
Which must be mutual, in proportion due 
Given and received ; but in disparity 
The one intense, the other still remiss, 
Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove 
Tedious alike. Of fellowship I speak, 
Such as I seek, fit to participate 
All rational delight, wherein the brute 
Cannot be human consort : they rejoice 
Each with their kind, lion with lioness ; 
So fitly them in pairs thou hast combined : 
Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl, 
So well converse ; nor with the ox the ape ; 
Worse then can man with beast, and least of all.' 

" Whereto the Almighty answered, not displeased 
'A nice and subtle happiness, I see. 
Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice 
Of thy associates, Adam, and wilt taste 
No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary. 
What think'st thou then of me, and this my state ? 
Seem I to thee sufficiently possessed 
Of happiness, or not ? who am alone 
From all eternity ; for none I know 
Second to me, or like, equal much less. 
How have I, then, with whom to hold converse 
Save with the creatures which I made, and those 
To me inferior, infinite descents 
Beneath what other creatures are to thee ? ' 

" He ceased : I lowly answered : ' To attain 
The height and depth of thy eternal ways 
All human thoughts come short, Supreme of things I 
Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee 
Is no deficience found ; not so is man. 
But in degree ; the cause of his desire 
By conversation with his like to help, 
Or solace his defects. No need that thou 
Shouldst propagate, already infinite. 
And through all numbers absolute, though one; 
But man by number is to manifest 
His single imperfection, and beget 



186 PARADISE LOST. 

Like of his like, image multiplied, 

In unity defective, which requires 

Collateral love, and dearest amity. 

Thou in thy secresy although alone, 

Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st not 

Social communication, yet so pleased 

Canst raise thy creature to what height thou wilt 

Of union or communion, deified : 

I by conversing cannot these erect 

From prone, nor in their ways complacence find.' 

Thus I emboldened spake, and freedom used 

Permissive, and acceptance found, which gained 

This answer from the gracious voice divine : 

" ' Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased, 
And find thee knowing not of beasts alone, 
Which thou hast rightly named ; but of thyself, 
Expressing well the spirit within thee free, 
My image, not imparted to the brute : 
Whose fellowship therefore, unmeet for thee, 
Good reason was t-hou freely shouldst dislike, 
And be so minded still : I, ere thou spak'st. 
Knew it not good for man to be alone, 
And no such company as then thou sawest 
Intended thee, for trial only brought. 
To see how thou couldst judge of fit and meet: 
What next I bring shall please thee, be assured, 
Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, 
Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.' 

" He ended, or I heard no more, for now 
My earthly by his heavenly overpowered, 
Which it had long stood under, strained to the height 
In that celestial colloquy sublime, 
As with an object that excels the sense 
Dazzled and spent, sunk down, and sought repair 
Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, called 
By nature as in aid, and closed mine eyes. 
Mine eyes he closed, but open left the cell 
Of fancy, my internal sight, by which 
Abstract as in a trance m'ethought I saw, 
Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape 



i I 



PARADISE LOST. 187 

Still glorious before whom awake I stood ; 

Who, stooping, opened my left side, and took 

From thence a rib, with cordial spirits warm, 

And life-blood streaming fresh : wide was the wound, 

But suddenly with flesh filled up and healed : 

The rib he formed and fashioned with his hands; 

Under his forming hands a creature grew, 

Manlike, but different sex, so lovely fair, 

That what seemed fair in all the world, seemed now 

Mean ; or in her summed up, in her contained, 

And in her looks, which from that time infused 

Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before. 

And into all things from her air inspired 

The spirit of love and amorous delight. 

She disappeared, and left me dark ; I waked 

To find her, or for ever to deplore 

Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure. 

When out of hope, behold her, not far off, 

Such as I saw her in my dream, adorned 

With what all earth or Heaven could bestow 

To make her amiable. On she came, 

Led by her heavenly Maker, though unseen, 

And guided by his voice, nor uninformed 

Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rites : 

Grace was in all her steps, Heaven in her eye, 

In every gesture dignity and love. 

I, overjoyed, could not forbear aloud : 

" ' This turn hath made amends : thou hast fulfilled 
Thy words. Creator bounteous and benign, 
Giver of all things fair ! but fairest this 
Of all thy gifts ! nor enviest. I now see 
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, myself 
Before me : woman is her name, of man 
Extracted ; for this cause he shall forego 
Father and mother, and to his wife adhere ; 
Anet they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul.' 

" She heard me thus, and though divinely brought, 
Yet innocence and virgin modesty, 
Her virtue and the conscience of her worth, 
That would be wooed, and not unsought be won^ 



188 PARADISE LOST. 

Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retired, 
The more desirable ; or, to say all, 
Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought, ' 
Wrought in her so, that seeing me she turned ? 
I followed her ; she what was honour knew, 
And with obsequious majesty approved 
My pleaded reason. To the nuptial bower 
I led her blushing like the morn : all Heaven 
And happy constellations on that hour 
Shed their selectest influence ; the earth 
Gave signs of gratulation, and each hill ; 
Joyous the birds ; fresh gales and gentle airs 
Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings 
Flung rose, flung odours from the spicy shrub, 
Disporting, till the amorous bird of night 
Sung spousal, and bid haste the evening star 
On his hill top, to light the bridal lamp. 

"' Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought 
My story to the sum of earthly bliss 
Which 1 enjoy, and must confess to find 
In all things else delight indeed, but such 
As, used or not, works in the mind no change, 
Nor vehement desire : these delicacies 
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits and flowers, 
Walks, and the melody of birds ; but here 
Far otherwise : transported I behold. 
Transported touch ; here passion first I felt, 
Commotion strange, in all enjoyments else 
Superior and unmoved, here only weak 
Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance. 
Or nature failed in me, and left some part 
Not proof enough such object to sustain ; 
Or, from my side subducting, took perhaps 
More than enough; at least, on her bestowed 
Too much of ornament, in outw^ard show 
Elaborate, of inward less exact. . 

For well I understand in the prime end 
Of nature her the inferior, in the mind 
And inward faculties, which most excel. 
In outward also her resembling less 



PARADISE LOST. 189 

His image who made both, ana less expressing 
The character of that dominion given 
O'er other creatures ; yet when I approach 
Her loveliness, so absolute she seems, 
And in herself complete, so well to know 
Her own, that what she wills to do or say 
Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best ; 
All higher knowledge in her presence falls 
Degraded ; wisdom in discourse with her 
Loses discountenanced, and like folly shows; 
Authority and reason on her wait, 
As one intended first, not after made 
Occasionally; and, to consummate all, 
Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat 
Build in her loveliest, and create an awe 
About her, as a guard angelic placed." 

To whom the angel, with contracted brow : 
"Accuse not nature, she hath done her part; 
Do thou but thine, and be not diffident 
Of wisdom ; she deserts thee not, if thou 
Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nighy 
By attributing overmuch to things 
Less excellent, as thou thyself perceiv'st. 
For what admir'st thou, what transports thee so ? 
An outside? fair, no doubt, and worthy well 
Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love, 
Not thy subjection : weigh with her thyself ; 
Then value : oft-times nothing profits more 
Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right 
Well managed ; of that skill the more thou know'stj 
The more she will acknowledge thee her head, 
And to realities yield all her shows : 
Made so adorn for thy delight the more, 
So awful, that with honour thou mayst love, 
Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise, 
(But if the sense of touch whereby mankind 
Is propagated seem such dear delight 
Beyond all other, think the same vouchsafed 
To cattle and each beast ; which would not be 
To them made common and divulged, if aught 



190 PARADISE LOST. 

Therein enjoyed were worthy to subdue . 
The soul of man, or passion in liim move.J 
What higher in her society thou find'st 
Attractive, human, rational, love still ; 
In loving thou dost well, in passion not, 
Wherein true love consists not ; love refines 
The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seat 
In reason, and is judicious, is the scale 
By which to heavenly love thou may'st ascend, 
Not sunk in carnal pleasure ; for which cause 
Among the beasts no mate for thee is found." 

To whom thus, half abashed, Adam replied : 
" Neither her outside formed so fair, nor aught 
In procreation common to all kinds 
(Though higher of the genial bed by far, 
And with mysterious reverence I deem), 
So much delights me, as those graceful acts. 
Those thousand decencies that daily flow 
From all her words and actions mixed with love 
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned 
Union of mind, or in us both one soul ; 
Harmony to behold in wedded pair 
More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. 
Yet these subject not : I to thee disclose 
What inward thence I feel, not therefore foiled, 
Who meet with various objects, from the sense 
Variously representing ; yet, still free. 
Approve the best, and follow what I approve. 
To love thou blamest me not; for love, thou say'st 
Leads up to Heaven, is both the way and guide ; 
Bear with me, then, if lawful what I ask. 
Love not the heavenly spirits ? and how their love 
Express they? by looks only? or do they mix 
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch ? " 

To whom the angel, with a smile that glowed 
Celestial rosy red, love's j^roper hue. 
Answered : " Let it suffice thee that thou know'st 
L^s happy, and without love no happiness. 
Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st 
(And pure thou wert created) we enjoy 



PAEADISE LOST. 191 

In eminence, and obstacle find none 
Of membrane, joint or limb, exclusive bars ; 
Easier than air with air, if spirits embrace, 
Total they mix, union of pure with pure 
Desiring ; nor restrained conveyance need 
As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. 
But I can now no more ; the parting sun 
Beyond the earth's green cape and verdant isles 
Hesperian sets, my signal to depart. 
Be strong, live happy, and love, but first of all 
Him whom to love is to obey, and keep 
His great command ; take heed lest passion sway 
Thy judgment to do aught which else free will 
Would not admit ; thine and of all thy sons 
The weal or woe in thee is placed : beware! 
I in thy persevering shall rejoice. 
And all the blest : stand fast ; to stand or fall 
Free in thine own arbitrement it lies. 
Perfect within, no outward aid require ; 
And all temptation to transgress repel." 
/" So saying, he arose ; whom Adam thus 
Followed with benediction : " Since to part, 
Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger, 
Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore. 
Gentle to me and affable hath been 
Thy condescension, and shall be honoured ever 
With grateful memory : thou to mankind 
Be good and friendly still, and oft return." 
So parted they : the angel up to Heaven 
From the thick shade, and Adam to his bowefc 



192 PAEADISB LOST. 



BOOK IX. 



THE AKGTJMENT. 

Satan, having compassed the earth, with meditated guile returns as a 
mist by night into Paradise; enters into the serpent sleeping. Adam and 
Eve in the morning go fortli to their labours, which Eve proposes to divide 
in several places, each labouring apart: Adam consents not, alleging the 
danger lest that enemy, of whom tliey were forewarned, should attempt 
her found alone: Eve, loath to be' thought not circumspect or firm 
enough, urges her going apart, the rather desirous to make trial of her 
strength; Adam at last yields. The serpent finds her alone; his subtle 
approach, first gazing, then speaking, with much flattery extolling Eve 
above all other creatures. Eve, wondering to hear the serpent speak, 
asks how he attained to human speech and such understanding not till 
now; the serpent answers, that by tasting of a certain tree in the garden 
he attained both to speech and reason, till theu void of both ; Eve requires 
him to bring her to that tree, and finds it to be the tree of knowledge 
forbidden : the serpent, now grown bolder, with many wiles and argu- 
ments induces her at length to eat: she, pleased with the taste, deliberates 
a while whether to impart thereof to Adam or not; at last brings him of 
the fruit ; relates what persuaded her to eat thereof : Adam, at first 
amazed, but perceiving her lost, resolves, through vehemence of love, to 
perish with her; and, extenuating the trespass, eats also of the fruit: the 
effects thereof in them both; they seek to cover their nakedness; then 
fall to variance and accusation of one another. 

No more of talk where God or angel guest 
With raan, as with his friend, familiar used 
To sit indulgent, and with him partake 
Rural repast, permitting him the while 
Venial discourse unblaraed : I now must change 
Those notes to tragic ; foul distrust, and breach 
Disloyal on the part of man, revolt. 
And disobedience ; on the part of Heaven 
Now alienated, distance and distaste, 
Anger and just rebuke, and judgment given, 
That brought into this world a world of woe, 
Sin and her shadow Death, and misery 
Death's harbinger : sad task, yet argument 



PARADISE LOST. 193 

Not less but more heroic than the wrath 
Of stern Achilles on his foe pursued 
Thrice fugitive about Troy wall ; or rage 
Of Turnus for Lavinia disespoused ; 
Or Neptune's ire, or Juno's, that so long 
Perplexed the Greek and Cytherea's son ; 
If answerable style I can obtain 
Of my celestial patroness, who designs 
Her nightly visitation unimplored, 
And dictates to me slumbering, or inspires 
Easy my unpremeditated verse :j 
Since first this subject for heroic song 
Pleased me long choosing, and beginning lat6$ 
Not sedulous by nature to indite 
Wars, hitherto the only argument 
Heroic deemed, chief mastery to dissect 
With long and tedious havoc fabled knights 
In battles feigned ; the better fortitude 
Of patience and heroic martyrdom 
Unsung ; or to describe races and games, 
Or tilting furniture, emblazoned shields, 
Impresses quaint, caparisons and steeds ; 
Bases and tinsel trappings, gorgeous knights 
At joust or tournament ; then marshalled feast 
Served up in hall with sewers and seneschals; 
The skill of artifice or office mean. 
Not that which justly gives heroic name 
To person or to poem. Me of these 
Nor skilled, nor studious, higher argument 
Remains, sufiicient of itself to raise 
That name, unless an age too late, or cold 
Climate, or years, damp my intended wing 
Depressed, and much they may, if all be mine, 
Not hers who brings it nightly to my ear. 
/ The sun was sunk, and after him the star 
Of Hesperus, whose ofiice is to bring 
Twilight upon the earth, short arbiter 
'Twixt day and night, and now from end to end 
Night's hemisphere had veiled the horizon rounds/ 
When Satan, who late fled before the threats 

13 



194 PAKADISE LOST. 

Of Gabriel out of Eden, now improved 

In meditated fraud and malice, bent 

On man's destruction, <rnaugre~'what might hap 

Of heavier on himself, fearless returned 

By night he had fled, and at midnight returned 

From compassing the earth, cautious of day, 

Since Uriel, regent of the sun, descried 

His entrance, and forewarned the cherubim 

That kept their watch: thence full of anguish driven, 

The s])ace of seven continued nights he rode 

With darkness ; thrice the equinoctial line 

He circled ; four times crossed the car of night 

From pole to pole, traversing each C(^tire : 

On the eighth returned, and on the coast averse 

From entrance or cherubic watch, by stealth 

Found unsuspected way. There was a place, 

Now not, though sin, not time, first wrought the change, 

Where Tigris at the foot of Paradise 

Into a gulf shot under ground, till part 

Rose up a fountain by the tree of life ; 

In with the river sunk, and with it rose 

Satan, involved in rising mist ; then sought 

Where to lie hid ; sea he had searched, and land, 

From Eden over Pontus, and the pool 

Masotis, up beyond the river Ob ; 

Downward as far antartic ; and in length 

West from Orontes to the ocean barred 

At Darien ; thence to the land where flows 

Ganges and Indus : thus the orb he roamed 

With narrow search, and with inspection deep 

Considered every creature, which of all 

Most opj)ortune might serve his wiles, and found 

The serpent subtlest beast of all the field. 

Him after long debate, iri-esolute 

Of thoughts revolved, his final sentence chose 

Fit vessel, fittest imp of fraud, in whom 

To enter, and his dark suggestions hide 

Fi-om sharpest sight ; for in the wily snake. 

Whatever sleights, none would suspicious mark, 

As from his wit and native subtlety 



PARADISE LOST. 195 

Proceeding^; which, in other beasts observed, 
Doubt might beget of diabolical power 
Active within beyond the sense of brute. 
Thus he resolved, but first from inward grief 
His bursting passion into ])la,ints thus poured: 

" O earth ! how like to Heaven, if not preferred 
M<n'e justly, seat worthier of gods, as built 
With second thoughts, reforming what was old! 
For what God, after better, worse would build ? 
Terrestrial Heaven, danced round by other heavens 
That shine, yet bear their bright officious lanij^s, 
Light above light, for thee alone, as seems, 
111 thee concentring all their precious beams 
Of sacred influence ! As God in Heaven 
Is centre, yet extends to all, so thoa 
Centring receiv'st from all those orbs ; in thee, 
Not in themselves, all their known virtue appears 
Producti^'e in herb, plant, and nobler birth 
Of creatures animate with gradual life 
Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man. 
With what delight could I have walked thee rounds 
If I could joy in aught, sweet interchange 
Of hill and valley, rivers, woods, and plains, 
Now land, now sea, and shores with forest crowned, 
Rocks, dens, and caves ! but I in none of these 
Find place or refuge ; and the more I see 
Pleasures about me, so much more I feel 
Torment within me, as from the hateful seige 
Of contraries; all good to me becomes 
Bane, and in Heaven much worse would be my state. 
But neither hei-e seek I, no, nor in Heaven 
To dwell, unless by mastering Heaven's supreme ; 
Nor hope to be myself less miserable 
By what I seek, but others to make such 
As I, though thereby w^orse to me redound : 
For only in destroying I find ease 
To my relentless thoughts; and him destroyed, 
Or won to what may work his utter loss. 
For whom all this was made, all this will soon 
Follow, as to him linked in weal or woe j 



196 PARADISE LOST. 

Ill woe then ; that destruction wide may range : 

To me sliall be the glory sole among 

The infernal powers, in one day to have marred 

What he, Almighty styled, six nights and days 

Continued making, and who knows how long 

Before had been contriving, though j^erhaps 

Not longer than since I in one night freed 

From servitude inglorious well nigh half 

The angelic name, and thinner left the throng 

Of his adorers : he, to be avenged, 

And to repair his numbers thus impaired, 

Whether such virtue spent of old now failed 

More angels to create, if they at least 

Are his created, or, to spite us more, 

Determined to advance into our room 

A creature formed of earth, and him endow, 

Exalted from so base original, 

With heavenly spoils, our spoils : what he decreed 

He effected ; man he made, and for him built 

Magnificent this world, and earth his seat. 

Him lord pronounced, and (oh, indignity !) 

Subjected to his service angel-wings, 

And flaming ministei-s to watch and tend 

Their earthly charge : of these the vigilance 

I dread, and to elude, thus wrapped in mist 

Of midnight vapour, glide obscure and pry 

In every bush and brake, whose hap may find 

The serpent sleeping, in whose mazy folds 

To hide me and the dark intent I bring. 

Oh, foul descent ! that I, who erst contended 

With gods to sit the highest, am now constrained 

Into a beast, and mixed with bestial slime, 

This essence to incarnate and imbrute. 

That to the height of deity aspired ! 

But what will not ambition ancl revenge 

Descend to ? who aspires must down as low 

As high he soared, obnoxious first or last 

To basest things. ( Revenge, at first though sweet, 

Bitter ere long back on itself recoils : ) 

Let it J I reck not, so it light well aimed, 



PARADISE LOST. 197 

Sinde higher I fall short, on him who next 
Provokes my envy, this new favourite 
Of Heaven, this man of clay, son of despite, 
Whom, us the more to spite, his Maker raised 
From dust : spite then with spite is best repaid." 

So saying, through each tliicket dank or dry 
Like a black mist low creeping, he held on 
His midnight search, where soonest he might find 
The serpent : him fast sleeping soon he found 
In labyrinth of many a round self-rolled. 
His head the midst, well stored with subtle wiles : 
Nor yet in horrid shade or dismal den, 
Nor nocent yet, but on the grassy herb 
Fearless, unfeared, he slept : in at his mouth 
The devil entered, and his brutal sense, 
In heart or head, possessing, soon inspired 
With act intelligential ; but his sleep 
Disturbed not, waiting close the approach of mom. 
"^ Jn ow when as sacred light began to dawn 
In Eden on the humid flowers, that breathed 
Their morning incense, when all things that breathe, 
From the earth's great altar send up silent praise 
To the Creator, and his nostrils fill 
With grateful smell, forth came the human pair, 
And joined their vocal worship to the quire 
Of creatures wanting voice^ that done, partake 
The season^, prime for swee^st sents and airs ; 
Then commune how that day they best may ply 
Their growing work : for much their work outgrew 
The hands' despatch of two gardening so wide. 
And Eve first to her husband thus began : 

" Adam, well ma}' we labour still to dress 
This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flower, 
Our pleasant task enjoined ; but, till more hands 
Aid us, the work under our labour grows, 
Luxurious by restraint ; what we by day 
Lop overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, 
One night or two with wanton growth derides, 
Tending to wild. Thou, therefore, now advise. 
Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present ; 



198 PARADISE LOST. 

Let v-^ divide our labours, thou where choice 
Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind 
The woodbine round this arbour, or direct 
The clasping ivy where to climb, while I 
In yonder spring of roses intermixed 
With myrtle, find what to redress till noon : 
For while so near each other thus all day 
Our task we choose, what wonder if so near 
Looks intervene and smiles, or object new 
Casual discourse draw on, which intermits 
Our day's work, brought to little, though begun 
Early, and the hour of supper conies unearned?" 

To whom mild answer Adam thus returned : 
" Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond 
Compare above all living creatures dear ! 
Well hast thou motioned, well thy thoughts employed 
How we might best fulfil the work which here 
God hath assigned us, nor of me shalt pass 
Unpraised ; for nothing lovelier can be found 
In woman, than to study household good, 
And good works in her husband to promote. 
Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed 
Labor, as to debar us when we need 
Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, 
Food of the mind, or thjs sweet intercourse 
Of looks and smiles ; Cfor smiles from reason flow, 
To brute denied, and are of love the food ; 
Love, not the lowest end of human life. 
For not to irksome toil, but to delight ' 
He made us, and delight to reason joined. 
These paths and bowers doubt not but our joint hands 
Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide 
As we need walk, till younger hands ere long 
Assist us : but if much converse perhaps 
Thee satiate, to short absence I could yield ; 
For solitude sometimes is best society, 
And short retirement urges sweet return. 
But other doubt possesses me, lest harm 
Befall thee severed from me ; for thou know'st 
What hath been warned us, what malicious foe, 



PARADISE LOST. 



I9d 



Envying our happiness, and of his own 

Despairing, seeks to work us woe and shame 

By sly assault ; and somewhere nigh at hand 

Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find 

His wish and best advantage, us asunder, 

Hopeless to circumvent us joined, where each 

To other speedy aid might lend at need; 

Whether his first design be to withdraw 

Our fealty from God, or to disturb 

Conjugal love, than which perhaps no bliss 

Enjoyed by us excites his envy more ; 

Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side 

That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects. 

The wife, where danger or dishonor lurks, 

Safest and seemliest by her husband stays, 

Who guards her, or with her the worst endures." 

To whom the virgin majesty of Eve, 
As one who loves, and some unkindness meets, 
With sweet austere composure thus replied : 

" Offspring of Heaven and earth, and all earth's lord. 
That such an enemy we have, who seeks 
Our ruin, both by thee informed I learn, 
And from the parting angel overheard, 
As in a shady nook I stood behind. 
Just then returned at shut of evening flowers. 
But that thou shouldst my firmness, therefore, doubt 
To God or thee, because we have a foe 
May tempt it, I expected not to hear. 
His violence thou fear'st not, being such 
As we, not capable of death or pain, 
Can either not receive, or can repel. 
His fraud is then thy fear, which plain infers 
Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love 
Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced ; 
Thoughts, which how found they harbour in thy breast, 
Adam, misthought of her to thee so dear? 

To whom with healing words Adam replied : 
" Daughter of God and man, immortal Eve, 
For such thou art, from sin and blame entire : 
Not diffident of thee do I dissuade 



200 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy absence from ray sight, but to avoid 

The attempt itself, intended by our foe. 

For he who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses 

The tempted with dishonour foul, supposed 

Not incorruptible of faith, not proof 

Against temptation : thou thyself with scorn 

And anger wouldst resent the offered wrong, 

Though ineffectual found : misdeem not, then. 

If suc4i affront I labour to avert 

From thee alone, which on us both at once 

The enemy, though bold, will hardly dare ; 

Or, daring, first on me the assault shall light 

Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn, 

Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce 

Angels ; nor think superfluous others' aid. 

I from the influence of thy looks receive 

Access in every virtue ; in thy sight 

More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were, 

Of outward strength ; while shame, thou looking on, 

Shame to be overcome or over-reached, 

Would utmost vigour raise, and raised unite. 

Why should not thou like sense within thee feel 

When I am j^resent, and thy trial choose 

With me, best witness of thy virtue tried ? " 

So spake domestic Adam in his care 
And matrimonial love ; but Eve, who thought 
Less attriblited to her faith sincere. 
Thus her reply with accent sweet renewed: 

/^f this be our condition, thus to dwell 
In narrow circuit straitened by a foe, 
Subtle or violent, we not endued 
Single with like defence, wherever met, 
How are we happy, still in fear of harm? 
But harm precedes not sin : only our foe, . 
Tempting, affronts as with his foul esteem 
Of our integrity : his foul esteem 
Sticks no dishonor on our front, but turns 
Foul on himself ; then wherefore shunned or feared 
By us ? who rather double honour gain 
From his surmise proved false, find peace within, 



PARADISE LOST. 201 

Favor from Heaven, our witness from the event 
And what is faith, love, virtue, unassayed 
Alone, without exterior help sustained ? 
Let us not, then, sus])ect our happy state 
Left so imperfect by the Maker wise, 
As not secure to single or combined. 
Frail is our happiness, is this be^so. 
And Eden were no Eden thus expose<^" 

To whom thus Adam fervently replied : 
" O woman, best are all things as the will 
Of God ordained them ; his creating hand 
Nothing imperfect or deficient left 
Of all that he created, much less man, 
Or aught that might his happy state secure, 
Secure from outward force ; within himself 
The danger lies, yet lies within his power : 
Against his will he can receive no harm. 
But God left free the will, for what obeys 
Reason, is free ; and reason he made right, 
But bid her well beware, and still erect ; 
Lest by some fair-appearing good surprised 
She dictate false, and misinform the will 
To do what God expressly hath forbid. 
Not then mistrust, but tender love, enjoins 
That I should mind thee oft ; and mind thou mo. 
Firm we subsist, yet possibly to swerve, 
Since reason not impossibly may meet 
Some specious object by the foe suborned, 
And fall into deception unaware. 
Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warned. 
Seek not temptation then, which to avoid 
Were better, and most likely, if from me 
Thou sever not : trial will come unsought. 
Wouldst thou approve thy constancy, approve 
First thy obedience ; the other who can know, 
Not seeing thee attempted, who attest ? 
But if thou think trial unsought may find 
Us both securer than tlnis warned thou seem'st, 
Go ; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more; 
Go in thy native innocence ; rely 



202 PARADISE LOST. 

On what thou hast of virtue ; summon all : 

For God towards thee hath done his part: do thine.'^ 

So spake the patriarch of mankind ; but Eve / 
Persisted ; yet submiss, though last, replied : 

" With thy permission, then, and thus forewarned. 
Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words 
Touched only, that our trial, when least sought, 
May find us both, perhaps, far less prepared, 
The willinger I go, nor much expect 
A foe so proud will first the weaker seek ; 
So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse." 

Thus saying, from her husband's hand her hand 
Soft she withdrew, and, like a wood-nymph light, 
Oread or Dryad, or of Delia's train. 
Betook her to the groves ; but Delia's self 
In gait surpassed, and goddess-like deport, 
Though not as she with bow and quiver armed, 
But with such gardening tools as art yet rude. 
Guiltless of fire, had formed, or angels brought. 
To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorned, 
Likest she seemed ; Pomona when she fled 
Yertumnus, or to Ceres in her prime, 
Yet virgin of Proserpina from Jove. 
Her long with ardent look his eye pursued 
Delighted, but desiring more her stay. 
Oft he to her his charge of quick return 
Repeated ; she to him as oft engaged 
To be returned by noon amid the bower, 
And all things in best order to invite 
Noontide repast, or afternoon's repose. 
O much deceived, much failing, hapless Eve, 
Of thy presumed return ! event perverse ! 
Thou never from that hour in Paradise 
Found'st either sweet repast, or sound repose ; 
Such ambush, hid among sweet flowers and shades, 
Waited with hellish rancour imminent 
To intercept thy way, or send thee back 
Despoiled of innocence, of faith, of bliss. 
For now, and since first break of dawn, the fiend, 
Mere serpent in a2:)pearance, forth was come, 



PARADISE LOST. ^03 

And on his quest, where likliest he might find 

The only two of mankind, but in them 

The whole included race, his purpo'sed prey. 

In bower and field he sought, where any tuft 

Of grove or garden-plot more j^leasant lay, 

Their tendance or plantation for delight; 

By fountain or by shady rivulet 

He sought them both, but wished his hap might find 

Eve separate ; he wished, but not with hope 

Of what so seldonv^hanced ; when to his wish, 

Beyond his hope, (Eve separate he spies. 

Veiled in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood, 

Half spied, so thick the roses blushing round 

About her glowed, oft stooping to support 

Each flower of slender stalk, whose head, though gay 

Carnation, purple, azure, or specked with gold, 

Hung drooping unsustained ; them she upstays 

Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while 

Herself, though fairest unsupported flower. 

From her best prop so far, and storm so nigBu\ 

Nearer he drew, and many a walk traversed"""*"^ 

Of stateliest covert, cedar, pine, or palm. 

Then voluble and bold, now hid, now seen 

Among thick-woven arborets and flowers 

Embordered on each bank, the hand of Eve : 

Spot more delicious than those gardens feigned 

Or of revived Adonis, or renowned 

Alcinous, host of old Laertes' son ; 

Or that, not mystic, where the sapient king 

Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse. 

Much he the place admired, the person more, 

As one who long in populous city pent. 

Where houses thick and sewers annoy the air, 

Forth issuing on a summer's morn to breathe 

Araong the pleasant villages and farms 

Adjoined, from each thing met conceives delight; 

The smell of grain, or tedded grass, or kine. 

Or dairy, ea(;h rural sight, each rural sound ; 

If chance with nymph-like stej) fair virgin pass. 

What pleasing seemed, for her now pleases more. 



204 PARADISE LOST. 

She most, and in her look sums all delight: 
Such pleasure took the serpent to behold 
This flowery plat, the sweet recess of Eve, 
Thus early, thus alone ; her heavenly form 
Angelic, but more soft and feminine ; 
Pier graceful innocence, her every air 
Of gesture, or least action, overawed 
His malice, and with rapine sweet bereaved 
His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought. 
That space the evil one abstracted stood 
From his own evil, and for the time remained 
Stupidly good, of enmity disarmed, 
Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge ; 
But the hot Hell that always in him burns, 
Though in mid Heaven, soon ended his delight, 
And tortures bim now more, the more he sees 
Of pleasure not for him ordained : then soon 
Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts 
Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites : 

^**^ioughts, w^hither have ye led me ! with what sweet 
Compulsion thus transported to forget 
What hither brought us ! hate, not love ; nor hope 
Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste 
Of pleasure ; but all pleasure to destroy. 
Save what is in destroying ; other joy 
To me is lost. "Then let me not let pass 
Occasion whitm now smiles ; behold alone 
The woman, opportune to all attempts ; 
Her husband, for I view far round, not nigh, 
Whose higher intellectual more I shun, 
And strength, of courage haughty, and of limb 
Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould ; 
Foe not informidable ; exempt from wound, 
I not ; so much hath Hell debased, and pain 
Enfeebled me, to what I was in Heaven. 
She fair, divinely fair, fit love for gods ; 
Not terrible, tliough terror be in love 
And beauty, not a]:)proac]ied by stronger hate. 
Hate stronger, under show of love well feigned, 
The way which to her ruin now I tend." 



PARADISE LOST. 205 

r So si3ake the enemy of mankind enclosed 
In serpent, inmate bad ! and toward Eve 
Addressed his way, not with indented wave, 
Prone on the ground, as since, but on his rear. 
Circular base of rising folds that towered 
Fold above fold, a surging maze, his head 
Crested aloft, and carbuncle his eyes ; 
With burnished neck of verdant gold, erect 
Amidst his circling spires, that on the grass 
Floated redundant : pleasing was his shape, 
And lovely ; never since of serpent kind 
Lovelier, not those that in Illyria changed 
Hermione and Cadmus, or the god 
In Epidaurus ; nor to which transformed 
Ammonian Jove, or Capitoline, was seen ; 
He with Olympias ; this with her who bore 
Scipio the height of Rome. With tract oblique 
At first, as one who sought access, but feared 
To interrupt, sidelong he works his way, 
As when a ship by skilful steersman wrought 
Nigh river's mouth or foreland, where the wind 
Yeers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail: 
So varied he, and of his tortuous train 
Curled many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve, 
To lure her eye ; she busied heard the sound 
Of rustling leaves, but minded not, as used 
To such disport before her through the field 
From every beast, more duteous at her call 
Than at Circean call the herd disguised. 
He, bolder now, uncalled before her stood, 
But as in gaze admiring : oft he ])owed 
His'turret crest, and sleek enamelled neck, 
Fawning, and licked the ground whereon she trod. 
His gentle dumb expression turned at length 
The eye of Eve to mark his play ; he, glad 
Of her attention gained, with serpent tongue 
Organic, or impulse of vocal air, 
His fraudulent temptation thus began : 

" Wonder not, sovran mistress, if perhaps 
Thou canst, who art sole wonder; much less arm 



206 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain, 

Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze 

III satiate, I thus single, nor have feared 

Thy awful brow, more awful thus retired. 

Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair, 

Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine 

By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore 

With ravishment beheld, there best beheld 

Whei-e universally admired ; but here 

In tliis enclosure wild, these beasts among, 

Beholders rude, and shallow to discern 

Half what in thee is fair, one man except, 

Who sees thee ? (and what is one ?) who shouldst be seen 

A goddess among gods, adored and served 

By angels numberless^ thy dail)^ train." 

So glozed the tempter, and his proem tuned ; 
Into tlie heart of Eve his words made way, 
Though at the voice much marvelling ; at length, 
Not unamazed, she thus in ailswer spake : 

" What may this mean? language of man pronounced 
By tongue of brute, and human sense expressed ! 
The first, at least, of these I thought denied 
To beasts, whom God on their creation-day 
Created mute to all articulate sound ; 
The latter I demur, for in their looks 
Much reason, and in tlieir actions oft appears. 
Thee, serpent, subtlest beast of all the field 
I knew, but not witli human voice endued ; 
Redouble then this miracle, and say. 
How cam'st thou speakable of mute, and how 
To me so friendly grown above the rest 
Of brutal kind, that daily are in sight : 
Say, for such wonder claims attention due." 
To whom the guileful temptei- thus replied : 

\^Em})ress of this fair world, resplendent Eve, 

''^asy to me it is to tell thee all 
What thou command'st, and right thou shouldst be obeyed. 
I was at first as other beasts that graze 
The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low, 
As w^as my food ; nor aught but food discerned 



PARADISE LOST. 207 

Or sex, and apprehenrled nothing high : ' 

Till on a day, roving the field, I chanced 

A goodly tree far distant to behold 

Loaden with fruit of fairest colours mixed, 

Ruddy and gold : I nearer dr?w to gaze ; 

When from the boughs a savory odour blown, 

Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense 

Than smell of sweetest fennel, or the teats 

Of ewe or goat dropping with milk at even, 

Unsucked of lamb or kid, that tend their play. 

To satisfy the sharp desire I had 

Of tasting those fair apples, I resolved 

Not to defer ; hunger and thirst at once, 

Powerful persuaders, quickened at the scent 

Of that alluring fruit, urged me so keen. 

About the mossy trunk I wound me soon, 

For high from ground the branches would require . 

Thy utmost reach or Adam's : round the tree 

All other beasts that saw, with like desire 

Longing and envying stood, but could not reach. 

Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung 

Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill 

I spared not ; for such pleasure, till that hour, 

At feed or fountain never had I found. 

Sated at length, ere long I might perceive 

Strange alteration in me, to degree 

Of reason in my inward powers, and speech 

Wanted not long, though to this shape retained, 

Thenceforth to speculations high or deep 

I turned my thoughts, and with capacious mind 

Considered all things visible in Heaven, 

Or earth, or middle, all things fair and good; 

But all that fair and good in thy divine 

Semblance, and in thy beauty's heavenly ray, 

United I beheld ; no fair to thine 

Equivalent or second, which compelled 

Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come 

And gaze, and worship thee, of right declared 

Sovran of creatures, universal dame." 

So talked the spirited sly snake ; and Eve, 



208 PARADISE LOST. 

Yet more amazed, unwary thus replied : 

" Serpent, thy OYer])raising leaves in doubt 
The virtue of that fruit, in thee first proved ; 
But say, where grows the tree, from hence how far? 
For many are the trees of God that grow 
In Paradise, and various, yet unknown 
To us, in such abundance lies our choice, 
As leaves a greater store of fruit untouched, 
Still hanging incorruptible, till men 
Grow up to their provision, and more hands 
Help to disburden nature of her birth." 

To whom the wily adder, blithe and glad: 
" Empress, the way is ready, and not long; 
Beyond a row of myrtles, on a flat, 
Fast by a fountain, one small thicket past 
Of blowing myrrh and balm : if thou accept 
My conduct, I can bring thee hither soon." 

" Lead then," said Eve. He, leading, swiftly rolled 
In tangles, and made intricate seem straight, 
To mischief swift. Hope elevates, and joy 
Brightens his crest ; as when a wandering fire. 
Compact of unctuous vapour, which the night 
Condenses, and the cold environs round, 
Kindled through agitation to a flame, 
Which oft, they say, some evil spirit attends, 
Hovering and blazing with delusive light, 
Misleads the amazed night-wanderer from his way 
To bogs and mires, and oft through pond or pool ; 
There swallowed up and lost, from succour far. 
So glistered the dire snake, and into fraud 
Led Eve our credulous mother, to the tree 
Of prohibition, root of all our woe ; 
Which wlien she saw, thus to her guide she spake : 

" Serpent, we might have spared our coming hither, 
Fruitless to me, though fruit be here to excess. 
The credit of whose virtue rest with thee, 
Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects. 
But of this tree we may not taste nor touch; 
God so commanded, and left that command 
Sole daughter of his voice j the rest, we live 



J'ARADISE LOST. 



209 



Law to ourselves ; our reason is our law." 

To whom the tempter guilefully replied : 
" Indeed ! hath God then said that of the fruit 
Of all these garden trees ye shall not eat, 
Yet lords declarpd of all in earth or air ? " 

To whom thus Eve, yet sinless : " Of the fruit 
Of each tree in the garden we may eat. 
But of the fruit of this fair tree amidst 
The garden, God hath said, ' Ye shall not eat 
Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.' " 

She scarce had said, though brief, when now more bold 
The tempter, but with show of zeal and love 
To man, and indignation at his wrong, 
New part puts on ; and, as to passion moved, 
Fluctuates disturbed, yet comely and in act 
Raised, as of some great matter to begin. 
As when of old some orator renowned 
In Athens or free Rome, where eloquence 
Flourished, since mute, to some great cause addressed. 
Stood in himself collected, while each part, 
Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue, 
Sometimes in height began, as no delay 
Of preface brooking through his zeal of right ; 
So standing, moving, or to height up-grown, 
The tempter, all impassioned, thus began : 

" O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant. 
Mother of science ! now I feel thy power 
Within me clear, not only to discern 
Things in their causes, but to trace the wayd 
Of highest agents, deemed however wise. 
Queen of this universe, do not believe • 
Those rigid threats of death. Ye shall not die I 
How should ye ? By the fruit? It gives you life 
To knowledge. By the tlireatener ? Look on me, 
Me who have touclied and fasted, yet both live, 
And life more perfect have attained than fate 
Meant me, by venturing higher than my lot. 
Sluall that be shut to man, which to the beast 
Is open ? or will God incense his ire 
Foj such a ]3etty tres^^ass ? and not j^raise 



210 PARADISE LOST. 

Rather your dauntless virtue, whom the pain 
Of death denounced, whatever thing death be, 
Deterred not from achieving what might lead 
To happier life, knowledge of good and evil ; 
Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil 
Bo real, why not known, since easier shuVmed? 
God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just ; 
Not just, not God ; not feared then, nor obeyed : 
Your fear itself of death removes the fear. 
Why then was this forbid ? Why, but to awe ? 
Why, but to keep ye Ioav and ignorant. 
His worshippers ? He knows that in the day 
Ye eat thereof, your eyes that seem so clear 
Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then 
Opened and cleared, and ye shall be as gods, 
Knowing both good and evil as they know. 
That ye shall be as gods, since I as man, 
Internal man, is but proportion meet : 
I of brute human, ye of human gods. 
So ye shall die, perhaps, by putting off 
Human, to put on gods ; death to be wished, 
Though threatened, which no worse than this can bring. 
And what are gods that man may not become 
As they, participating godlike food ? 
The gods are first, and that advantage use 
On our belief that all from them proceeds ; 
I question it ; for this fair earth I see, 
Warmed by the sun, producing every kind, 
Them nothing : if they all things, who enclosed 
Knowledge of good and evil in this tree. 
That whoso eajis thereof forthwith attains 
Wisdom without their leave ? and wherein lies 
The offence, that man should thus attain to know? 
What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree 
Impart against his will, if all be his ? 
Or is it envy ? and can envy dwell 
In heavenly breasts ? These, these and many more 
Causes import your need of this fair fruit. 
Goddess humane : reach then, and freely taste3^ 
He ended ; and his words, replete with guil^ 



PARADISE LOST. 211 

Atito her heart too easy entrance won : 
Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold 
Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound 
Yet rung of his persuasive words impregned 
With reason, to her seeming, and with truth ; 
Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked 
An eager appetite, raised by the smell 
So savoury of that fruit, which with desire, 
Inclinable now grown to touch or taste, 
Solicited her longing eye ; yet first 
Pausing a while, thus to herself she mused : 

J^Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits, 
Though kept from man, and v/orthy to be admired. 
Whose taste, too long forborne, at first assay 
Gave elocution to the mute, and taught 
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise: 
Thy praise He also who forbids thy use. 
Conceals not from us, naming thee the tree 
Of knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil; 
Forbids us then to taste, but his forbidding 
Commends thee more, while it infers the good 
By thee communicated, and our want: 
For good unknown sure is not had ; or, had 
And yet unknown, is as not had at all. 
In plain, then, what forbids He but to know, 
Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise ? 
Such prohibitions bind not. But if death 
Bind us with after-bands, what profits then 
Our inward freedom ? In the day we eat 
Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we shall die. 
How dies the serpent ? he hath eaten and lives. 
And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns, 
Irrational till then. For us alone 
Was death invented ? or to us denied 
This intellectual food, for beasts reserved ? 
For beasts, it seems : yet that one beast which first 
Hath tasted, envies not, but brings with joy 
The good befallen him, author unsuspect, 
Friendly to man, far from deceit or guile. 
What fe^r I, then ? rather, what know to fear 



1212 PARADISE LOST. 

Under this ignorance of good and eyil, 

Of God or death, of Law or penalty ? 

Here gi-ows the cure of all, this fruit divine, 

Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste, 

Of virtue to make wise : what hinders then 

To reach, and feed at once both body and mind^ 

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour -^ 

Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she ate : 
Earth felt the wound, and nature from her seat, 
Sighing through all. her works, gave signs of woe. 
That all was lost.,/ Back to the thicket slunk 
The guilty serpent ; and well might ; for Eve, 
Intent now wholly on her taste, nought else 
Regarded ; such delight till then, as seemed, 
In fruit she never tasted, whether true 
Or fancied so, through expectation high 
Of knowledge ; nor was godhead from her thought. 
Greedily she engorged without restraint, 
And knew not eating death ; satiate at length, 
And heightened as with wine, jocund and boon, 
Thus to herself she pleasingly began : • 

" O sovran, virtuous, precious of all trees 
In Paradise ! of operation blest 
To sapience, hitherto obscured, infamed, 
And thy fair fruit let hang, as to no end 
Created ; but henceforth my early care. 
Not without song each morning, and due praise, 
Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease 
Of thy full branches offered free to all ; 
Till, dieted by thee, I grow mature 
In knowledge, as the gods who all things know; 
Though others envy what they cannot give ; 
For had the gift been theirs, it had not here 
Thus grown. Experience, next to thee I owe, 
Best guide ; not following thee, I had remained 
In ignorance ; thou open'st wisdom's way, 
And giv'st access, though secret she retire. 
And I perhaps am secret ; Heaven is high. 
High, and remote to see from thence distinct 
Each thing on earth ; and other care perhaps 



PARADISE LOST. 213 

May have diverted from continual watch 
Our great Forbidder, safe with all his spies 
About him. But to Adam in what sort 
Shall I appear ? shall I to him make known 
As yet my change, and give him to partake 
Full happiness with me, or rather not, 
But keep the odds of knowledge in my power 
Without co-partner ? so to add what wants 
In female sex, the more to draw his love, 
And render me more equal, and, perhaps, 
A thing not undesirable, sometime 
Superior ; for inferior who is free? 
This may be well ; but what if God have seen, 
And death ensue ? then I shall be no more, 
And Adam, wedded to another Eve, 
Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct : 
A death to think ! Confirmed then I resolve, 
Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe : 
So dear I love Inm, that with him all deaths 
I could endure, without him live no life." 

So saying, from the tree her step she turned. 
But first low reverence done, as to the power 
That dwelt within, whose presence had infused 
Into the plant sciential sap, derived 
From nectar, drink of gods. Adam the while. 
Waiting desirous her return, had wove 
Of choicest flowers a garland to adorn 
Her tresses, and her rural labours crown, 
As reapers oft are wont their harvest queen. 
Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new 
Solace in her return, so long delayed ; 
Yet oft his heart, divine of something ill, 
Misgave him ; he the faltering measure felt ; 
And forth to meet her went, the way she took 
That morn when first they parted ; by the tree 
Of knowledge he must pass, there he her met, 
Scarce from the tree returning; in her hand 
A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smiled, 
New gathered, and ambrosial smell diffused. 
To him she hasted ; in her face excuse 



214 PAEADISE LOST. 

Came prologue, and apology too prompt, 

Which with bland words at will she thus addressed: 

" Hast thou not wondered, Adam, at my stay? 
Thee I have missed, and thought it long dei^rived 
Thy presence; agony of love till now 
Not felt, nor shall be twice; for never more 
Mean I to try, what rash untried I sought. 
The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange 
Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear: 
This tree is not, as we are told, a tree 
Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown 
Opening the way, but of divine effect 
To open eyes, and make them gods who taste ; 
And hath been tasted such: the serpent wise, 
Or not restrained as we, or not obeying, 
Hath eaten of the fruit, and is become, 
Not dead, as we are threatened, but thenceforth 
Endued with human voice and human sense, 
Reasoning to admiration ; and with me 
Persuasively hath so prevailed, that I 
Have also tasted, and have also found 
The effects to correspond : opener mine eyes, 
Dim erst, dilated spirits, ampler heart, 
And grooving up to godhead, which for thee 
Chiefly I sought, without thee can despise. 
For bliss, as thou hast part, to me is bliss ; 
Tedious, unshared with thee, and odious soon. 
Thou therefore also taste, that equal lot 
May join- us, equal joy as equal love ; 
Lest, thou not tasting, different degree 
Disjoin us, and I then, too late, renounce 
Deity for tliee, when fate will not permit." 

Thus Eve, with countenance blithe, her story told; 
But in her cheek distemper flushing glowed. 
On the other side, Adam, soon as he heard 
The fatal trespass done by Eve, amazed, 
Astonied stood and blank, while horror chill 
Ran through his veins, and all his joints relaxed; 
From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve 
Down dropped, and all tlie faded roses shed. 



PARADISE LOST. 216 

Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length 
First to himself he inward silence broke : 

" O fairest of creation, last and best 
Of all God's works, creature in whom excelled 
Whatever can to sight or thought be formed, 
Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet, 
How art thou lost ! how on a sudden lost, 
Defaced, deflowered, and now to death devote! 
Rather, how hast thou yielded to transgress 
The strict forbid dance, how to violate 
The sacred fruit forbidden ! Some cursed fraud 
Of enemy hath beguiled thee, yet unknown. 
And me with thee hath ruined, for with thee 
Certain my resolution is to die ; 
How can I live without thee? how forego 
Thy sweet converse and love so dearly joined. 
To live again in these wild woods forlorn ? 
Should God create another Eve, and I 
Another rib afford, yet loss of thee 
Would never from my heart ; no, no ! I feel 
The link of nature draw me ; flesh of flesh. 
Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy state 
Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe." 

So having said, as one from sad dismay 
Recomforted, and after thoughts disturbed 
Submitting to what seemed remediless. 
Thus in calm mood his words to Eve he turned : 

" Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Ere, 
And peril great provoked, who thus hast dared, 
Had it been only coveting to eye 
That sa(;red fruit, sacred to abstinence ; 
Much more to taste it under ban to touch. 
But past who can recall, or done undo ? 
Not God omnipotent, nor fate ; yet so 
Perhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact 
Is not so heinous now, foretasted fruit. 
Profaned first by the serpent, by him first 
Made common and unhallowed ere our taste ; 
Nor yet on him found deadly; he yet lives ; 
Lives, as thou saidst, and gains to live, as man, 



216 PARADiyE LOST. 

Higher degree of life : inducement strong 

To us, as likely tasting to attain 

Proportional ascent, which cannot be 

But to be gods, or angels, demi-gods. 

Nor can I think that God, Creator wise, 

Though threatening, will in earnest so destroy 

Us his prime creatures, dignified so high, 

Set over all his works, which in our fall, 

For us created, needs with us must fail, 

Dependent made ; so God shall uncreate, 

Be frustrate, do, undo, and labour lose : 

Not well conceived of God, who, though his power 

Creation could repeat, yet would be loth 

Us to abolish, lest the adversary 

Triumph and say, ' Fickle their state whom God 

Most favours ; who can ]ilease him long ? Me first 

He ruined, now mankind ; whom will he next?' 

Matter of scorn, not to be given the foe. 

However, I with thee have fixed my lot, 

Certain to undergo like doom ; if death 

Consort with thee, death is to me as life ; 

So forcible within my heart I feel 

The bond of nature draw me to my own, 

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine ; 

Our state cannot be severed ; we are one, 

One flesh ; to lose thee were to lose myself." 

So Adam, and thus Eve to him replied: 
" O glorious trial of exceeding love. 
Illustrious evidence, example high ! 
Engaging me to emulate ; but, short 
Of thy perfection, how shall I attain, 
Adam, from whose dear side I boast me sprung? 
And gladly of our union hear thee speak. 
One heart, one soul in both ; whereof good proof 
This day affords, declaring thee resolved, 
Rather than death, or aught than death more dread, 
Shall separate us, linked in love so dear, 
To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, 
If any be, of tasting this fair fruit, 
Whose virtue (for of good still good proceeds, 



PAEADISE LOST. 217 

Direct, or by occasion) hath j3resented 

This happy trial of thy love, which else 

So eminently never had been known. 

Were it I thought death menaced would ensue 

This my attempt, I would sustain alone 

The worst, and not persuade thee ; rather die 

Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact 

Ternicious to thy peace, chiefly assured, 

Remarkably so late of thy so true, 

So faithful love unequalled : but I feel 

Far otherwise the event ; not death, but life 

Augmented, opened eyes, new hopes, new joys, 

Taste so divine, that what of sweet before 

Hath touched my sense, flat seems to this and harsh* 

On my experience, Adam, freely taste. 

And fear of death deliver to the winds." 

So saying, she embraced him, and for joy 
Tenderly wept ; much won, that he his love 
Had so ennobled, as of choice to incur 
Divine displeasure for her sake, or death. 
In recompense (for such compliance bad 
Such recompense best merits) from the bough 
She gave him of that fair enticing fruit 
With liberal hand : he scrupled not to eat, 
Against his better knowledge ; not deceived, 
But fondly overcome with female charm. 
Earth trembled from her entrails, as again 
In pangs, and nature gave a second groan ; 
Sky loured ; and, muttering thunder, some sad drops 
Wept at completing of the mortal sin 
Original ; wliile Adam took no thought, 
Eating his fill, nor Eve to iterate 
Her former trespass feared, the more to soothe 
Him with her loved society ; that now, 
As with new wine intoxicated both. 
They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel 
Divinity within them breeding wings 
Wherewith to scorn the earth : but that false fruit 
Far other operation first displayed. 
Carnal desire inflaming ; he on Eve 



218 PARADISE LOST. 

Began to cast lascivious eyes, she him 
As wantonly repaid ; in lust they burn : 
Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance move : 

" Eve, now I see thou art exact of taste, 
And elegant, of sapience no small part, 
Since to each meaning savour we apply, 
And palate call judicious : I the praise 
Yield thee, so well this day thou hast purveyed. 
Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstained 
From this delightful fruit, nor known till now 
True relish, tasting ; if such pleasure be 
In things to us forbidden, it might be wished 
For this one tree had been forbidden ten. 
But come, so well refreshed, now let us play, 
As meet is, after such delicious fare ; 
For never did thy beauty, since the day 
I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorned 
With all perfections, so inflame my sense 
With ardour to enjoy thee, fairer now 
Than ever, bounty of this virtuous tree." 

So said he, and forbore not glance or toy 
Of amorous intent, well understood 
Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire. 
Her hand he seized, and to a shady bank. 
Thick over-head with verdant roof embowered. 
He led her nothing loth ; flowers were the couch, 
Pansies, and violets, and asj^hodel. 
And hyacinth, earth's freshest, softest lap. 
There they their fill of love and love's disport 
Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal, 
The solace of their sin ; till dewy sleep 
Oppressed them, wearied with their amorous F^^T* 

Soon as the force of that fallacious fruit, 
That with exhilarating vapour bland 
About their spirits had played, and inmost powers 
Made err, was now exhaled ; and grosser sleep, 
Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams 
Encumbered, noAV had left them; up they rose 
As from unrest, and each the other viewing. 
Soon found their eyes how opened, and their minds 



PARADISE LOST. 219 

How darkened ; innocence, that as a veil 

Had shadowed them from knowing ill, was gone, 

Just confidence, and native righteousness, 

And honour from about them, naked left 

To guilty shame ; he covered, but his robe 

Uncovered more. So rose the Danite stroi.g, 

Herculean Samson, from the harlot-lap 

Of Philistean Dalilah, and waked 

Shorn of his strength ; they destitute and bare 

Of all their virtue : silent, and in face 

Confounded, long they sat, as strucken mute ; 

Till Adam, though not less than Eve abashed, 

At length gave utterance to these words constrained: 

" O Eve ! in evil hour thou didst give ear 
To that false worm, of whomsoever taught 
To counterfeit man's voice, true in our fall, 
False in our promised rising ; since our eyes 
Opened we find indeed, and find we know 
Both good and evil; good lost, and evil got: 
Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know, 
Which leaves us naked thus, of honour void, 
Of innocence, of faith, of purity. 
Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained, 
And in our faces evident the signs 
Of foul concuj^iscence ; whence evil store ; 
Even shame, the last of evils ; of the first 
Be sure then. He shall I behold the face 
Henceforth of God or angel, erst with joy 
And rapture so oft beheld ? those heavenly shapes 
Will dazzle now this earthly with their blaze 
Insufferably bright. Oh ! might I here 
In solitude live savage, in some glade 
Obscured, where highest woods, impenetrable 
To star or sunlight, spread their umbrage broad 
And brown as evening : cover me, ye pines ! 
Ye cedars, with innumerable boughs 
Hide me, where I may never see them more! 
But let us now, as in bad plight, devise 
What best may for the present serve to hide 
The r,arts of each from other, that seem most 



220 PARADISE LOST. 

To shame obnoxious, and nnseemliest seen ; 
Some tree, whose broad smooth leaves together sewed. 
And girded on our loins, may cover round 
Those middle parts, that this new comer, shame, 
There sit not, and reproach us as unclean." 
So counselled he, and both together went 
Into the thickest wood ; there soon they chose 
The fig-tree, not that kind for fruit renowned, 
But such as at this day to Indians known 
In Malabar or Deccan spreads her arms 
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground 
The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow 
About the mother tree, a pillared shade 
High overarched, and echoing walks between ; 
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, 
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds 
At loopholes cut through thickest shade : those leaves 
They gathered, broad as Amazonian targe. 
And, with what skill they had, together sewed, 
To gird their waist : vain covering, if to hide 
Their guilt and dreaded shame ! Oh, how unlike 
To that first naked glory ! Such of late 
Columbus found the American, so girt 
With feathered cincture, naked else and wild 
Among the trees on isles and woody shores. 
Thus fenced, and as they thought, their shame in part 
Covered, but at not rest or ease of mind. 
They sat them down to weep ; nor only tears 
Rained at their eyes, but high winds worse within 
Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate, 
Mistrust, suspicion, discord ; and shook sore 
Tlieir inward state of mind, calm region once 
And full of peace, now tossed and turbulent; 
For understanding ruled not, and the will 
Heard not her lore, both in subjection now 
To sensual appetite, who from beneath 
Usurping over sovran reasoi) claimed 
Superior sway. From thus distempered breast, 
Adam, estranged in look and altered style, 
Speech intermitted thus to Eve renewed : 



PARADISE LOST. 221 

" Would thou liaclst hearkened to my words, and stayed 
With me, as I besought thee, when that strange 
Desire of wandering, this unhappy morn, 
I know not whence possessed thee ; we had then 
Remained still happy, not as now, despoiled 
Of all our good, shamed, naked, miserable. 
Let none henceforth seek needless cause to approve 
The faith they owe ; when earnestly they seek 
Such proof, conclude, they then begin to fail." 

To whom, soon moved with touch of blame, thus Eve 
" What words have passed thy lips ? Adam severe, 
Imput'st thou that to my default, or will 
Of wandering, as thou call'st it, which, who knows 
But might as ill have happened thou being by, 
Or to thyself, perhaps ? Hadst thou been there, 
Or here the attempt, thou couldst not have discerned 
Fraud in the serpent, speaking as he spake ; 
No ground of enmity between us known. 
Why he should mean me ill, or seek to harm ? 
Was I to have never parted from thy side ? 
As good have grown there still a lifeless rib. 
Being as I am, why didst not thou, the head, 
Command me absolutely not to go, 
Going into such danger as thou saidst ? 
Too facile then, thou didst not much gainsay, 
Nay, didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss. 
Hadst thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent, 
Neither had I transgressed, nor thou with me." 
To whom, then first incensed, Adam replied: 
*'Is this the love, is this the recompense 
Of mine to thee, ungrateful Eve ! expressed 
Immutable when thou wert lost, not I, 
Who might have lived and joyed immortal bliss, 
Yet willingly chose rather death with thee ? 
And am I now upbraided as the cause 
Of thy transgressing? Not enough severe. 
It seems, in thy restraint : what could I more? 
I warned thee, I admonished thee, foretold 
The danger, and the lurking enemy 
That lay in wait ; beyond this had been force, 



222 PARADISE LOST. 

And force upon free wiH bath here no place. 
But confideDce then bore thee on, secure 
Either to meet no danger, or to find 
Matter of glorious trial ; and perhaps 
I also erred in overmuch admiring 
What seemed in thee so perfect, that I tlK)ught 
No evil durst attempt thee ; but I rue 
That error now, which is become my crime, 
And thou the accuser. Thus it shall befall 
llim who, to worth in woman overtrusting. 
Lets her will rule ; restraint she will not brook; 
And, left to herself, if evil thence ensue, 
She first his weak indulgence will accuse." 

Thus they in mutual accusation spent 
The fruitless hours, but neither self condemning. 
And of their vain contest appeared no end. 



PARADISE LOST. 223 



BOOK X. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Man's transgression known, the guardian angels fc rsake Paradise, and 
return up to Heaven to approve their vigilance, and are approved; God 
declaring that the entrance of Satan could not by them be prevented. He 
sends his Son to judge the transgressors, who descends, and gives sen- 
tence accordingly; then in pity clothes them both, and reascends. Sin 
and Death, sitting till then at the gates of Hell, by wondrous sympathy 
feeling the siiccesvS of Satan in this new world, and the sin by man there 
committed, resolve to sit no longer confined in Hell, but to follow Satan, 
their sire, up to the place of man. To make the Avay easier from Hell to 
this world, to and fro, they pave a broad highway or bridge over Chaos, 
according to the track that Satan first made; then preparing for earth, 
they meet him, proud of his success, returning to Hell; their mutual 
gratulation. Satan arrives at Pandemonium; in full assembly relates 
his success against man; instead of ai)plause is treated with a general hiss 
by all his audience, transformed with himself also suddenly into ser- 
pents, according to his doom given in Paradise; then deluded with a 
show of the forbidden tree springing up before them, they, greedily 
reaching to take off the fruits, chew dust and bitter ashes. The proceed- 
higs of Sin and Death ; God foretells the final victory of his Son over 
them, and the renewing of all things; but for the present commands his 
angels to make several alterations in the heavens and elements. Adam 
more and more perceiving his fallen condition, heavily bewails, rejects 
the condolement of Eve; she persists, and at length appeases him; then, 
to evade tlie curse likely to fall on their offspring, proposes to Adam vio- 
lent ways, which he approves not, but, conceiving better hope, puts her 
in mind of the late promise made them, that her seed should be revenged 
on the serpent, and exhorts her with him to seek peace of the offended 
Deity, by repentance and supplication. 

Meanwhile the heinous and despiteful act 

Of Satan done in Paradise, and how 

He, in the serpent, had perverted Eve, 

Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit. 

Was known in Heaven ; for what can 'scape the eye 

Of God all-seeing, or deceive his heart 

Omniscient ? who, in all things wise and just, 

Hindered not Satan to attempt the mind 

Of man, with strength entire, and free-will armed, 



224 PARADISE LOST. 

Complete to have discovered and repulsed 

Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend. 

For still they knew, and ought to have still remembere<? 

The high injunction not to taste that fruit, 

Whoever tempted ; which they not obeying, 

Incurred (what could they less ?) the penalty, 

And, manifold in sin, deserved to fall. 

Up into Heaven from Paradise in haste 

The angelic guards ascended, mute and sad 

For man, for of his state by this they knew. 

Much wondering how the subtle fiend had stolen 

Entrance unseen. Soon as the unwelcome news 

From earth arrived at Heaven-gate, displeased 

All were who heard ; dim sadness did not spare 

That time celestial visages, yet, mixed 

With pity, violated not their "bliss. 

About the new-arrived, in multitudes 

The ethereal people ran, to hear and know 

How all befell : they towards the throne supreme' 

Accountable made haste to make appear 

With righteous plea their utmost vigilance, 

And easily approved ; when the most High, 

Eternal Father, from his secret cloud. 

Amidst in thunder uttered thus his voice : 

" Assembled angels, and ye powers returned 
From unsuccessful charge, be not dismayed 
Nor troubled at these tidings from the earth. 
Which your sincerest care could not prevent. 
Foretold so lately what would come to pass. 
When first this tem])ter crossed the gulf from Hell 
I told ye then he should j^revail and speed 
On his bad errand, man should be seduced 
And flattered out of all, ])elie^ang lies 
Against his Maker; no decree of mine *■ 

Concurring to necessitate his fall, 
Or touch with lightest moment of impulse 
His free will, to her own inclining left 
In even scale. But fallen he is, and now 
What rests, but that the mortal sentence pass 
On his trangression, death denounced that day? 



PAEADISE LOST. 225 

Which he presumes ah-eady vain and void, 

Because not yet inflicted, as he feared, 

By some immediate stroke ; but soon shall find 

Forbearance no acquittance ere day end. 

Justice shall not return as bounty scorned. 

But whom send I to judge them ? whom but thee, 

Viceregent Son ? To thee I have transferred 

All judgment whether in Pleaven, or Earth, or HelL 

Easy it may be seen that I intend 

Mercy colleague with justice, sending thee 

Man's friend, his Mediator, his designed 

Both ransom and Redeemer voluntary, 

And destined man himself to judge man fallen.'* 

So spake the Father, and unfolding bright 
Toward the right hand, his glory, on the Son 
Blazed forth unclouded Deity; he full 
Resplendent all his Father manifest 
Expressed, and thus divinely answered mild : 

"Father eternal, thine is to decree. 
Mine both in Heaven and earth to do thy will 
Supreme, that thou in me thy Son beloved 
Mayst ever rest well pleased. I go to judge 
On earth these thy trangressors ; but thou know'tti 
Whoever judged, the worst on me must light, 
When time shall be, for so I undertook 
Before thee ; and not repenting, this obtain 
Of right, that I may mitigate their doom 
On me derived ; yet I shall temper so 
Justice with mercy, as may illustrate most 
Them fully satisfied, and thee appease. 
Attendance none shall need, nor train, where none 
Are to behold the judgment, but the judged, 
Those two ; the thiud best absent is condemned, 
Convict by flight, and rebel to all law : 
Conviction to the serpent none belongs." 

Tlius saying, from his radiant seat he rose 
Of high collateral glory : him thrones and powerSj 
Princedoms, and dominations ministrant. 
Accompanied to Heaven-gate, from whence 
Eden and all the coast in pn^spect lay. 

15 



*^26 i'AEADISE LOST. 

Down h€ descended straight ;(the speed of gods 

Time counts not, though with swiftest ininutes winged. 

Now was the sun in western cadence low 

From noon, and gentle airs, due at their hour, 

To fan the earth now waked, and usher in 

The evening cool, when he, from wrath more cool, 

Came the mild Jnrlge and Intercessor both, 

To sentence man : the voice of God they heard 

Now walking in the garden, by soft winds 

Brought to their ears, while day declined ; they heard, 

And from his presence hid themselves, among 

The thickest trees, both man and wifel till God, 

Approaching, thus to Adam called aloud : 

" Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet 
My coming seen far off? I miss thee here, 
Not pleased, thus entertained with solitude. 
Where obvious duty erewhile appeared unsought : 
Or come I less conspicuous, or what change 
Absents thee, or what chance detains? Come forth !" 

He came, and with him Eve, more loth, though first 
To offend ; discountenanced both, an-d discomposed ; 
Love was not in their looks, either to God 
Or to each other, but apparent guilt. 
And shame, and j^erturbaticn, and despair. 
Anger and obstinacy, and hate and guile. 
Whence Adam, faltering long, thus answc^'-ed brief: 

" I heard thee in the garden, and of thy voice 
Afraid, being naked, hid myself." To whi^m 
The gracious Judge without revile replied : 

" My voice thou oft hast heard, and hast vot feared, 
But still rejoiced ; how is it now become 
So dreadful to thee? That thou art naked, who 
Hath told thee ? Hast thou eaten of the tree 
Wh.ereof I gaA^e thee charge thou shouldst not a^^^ 

To whom thus Adam, sore beset, replied : 
'' O Heaven ! in evil strait this day I stand 
Before my Judge, either to undergo 
Myself the total crime, or to accuse 
My other self, the partner of my life ; 
Whose failing, while her faith to me remains, 



( 



PARADISE LOST. Z'Zl 

I shouM conceal, and not expose to blame 

By my complaint ; bnt strict necessity 

Subdues me, and calamitous constraint, 

Lest on my head both sin and punishment, 

However iiisuj)portable, be all 

Devolved ; though should I hold my peace, yet thou 

Wouldst easily detect what I conceal. 

This woman, whom thou mad'st to be my help, 

And giv'st me as thy perfect gift so good. 

So fit, so acceptable, so divine. 

That from lier hand I could suspect no ill, 

And what she did, whatever in itself. 

Her doing seemed to justify the deed : 

She gave me of the tree, and I did eat." 

To whom the sovran Presence thus replied 
" Was she thy God, that her thou didst obey 
before his voice ? or was she made thy guide, 
Superior, or but equal, that to her 
Thou didst resign thy manhood, and the place 
Wherein God set thee above her made of thee, 
And for thee, whose perfection far excelled 
Hers in all real dignity ? Adorned 
She was indeed, and lovely to attract 
Thy love, not thy subjection ; and her gifts 
Were such as under government well seemed; 
Unseeml}'- to bear rule, which was thy part v 
And person, hadst thou known thyself aright.J^ 

So having said, he thus to Eve in few : 
" Say, woman, what is this which thou hast done?" 

To v\^hom sad Eve, with shame nigh overwhelmed, 
Confessing soon, yet not before her eTudge 
Bold or loquacious, thus abashed replied : 
" The serpent me beguiled, and I did eat." 

Which when the Lord God heard, without delay- 
To judgment he proceeded on the accused 
Serpent, though brute, unable to transfer 
The guilt on him who made him instrument 
Of mischief,and polluted from the end 
Of his creation, justly then accursed, 
As vitiated ih nature : more to know 



228 PARADISE LOST. 

Concerned not man (since he no fnrther knew), 
Nor altered his offence ; yet God at last 
To Satan, first in sin, his doom applied, 
Though in mysterious terms, judged as then best ; 
And on the serpent thus his curse let fall : 

" Because thou hast done this, thou art accursed 
Above all cattle, each beast of the field ; 
Upon thy belly grovelling thou shalt go, 
And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life. 
Between thee and the woman I will put 
Enmity, and between thine and her seed ; 
Her seed sliall bruise thy head, thou bruise his heeL** 

So spake this oracle, then verified 
When Jesus, son of Mary, second Eve, 
Saw Satan fall like lightning down from Heaven, 
Prince of the air ; then rising from his grave, 
Spoiled principalities and powers, triumphed 
In open show, and with ascension bright 
Captivity led captive through the air, 
The realm itself of Satan long usurped, 
Whom he shall tread at last under our feet ; 
Even he, who now foretold his fatal bruise ; 
And to the woman thus his sentence turned : 

" Thy sorrow I will greatly multiply 
By thy conception ; children thou shalt bring 
In sorrow forth ; and to th}^ husband's will 
Thine shall submit : he over thee shall rule." 

On Adam last thus judgment he pronounced: 
" Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, 
And eaten of the tree concerning which 
I charged thee, saying, ' Thou shalt not eat thereof,' 
Cursed is the ground for thy sake : thou in sorrow 
Shalt eat thereof all the days of thy life ; 
Thorns also, and thistles, it shall bring thee forth 
Unbid ; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field ; 
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, 
Till thou return unto the ground; for thou 
Out of the ground wast taken, know thy birth. 
For dust thou art, and shalt to dust return." 

So judged he man, both Judge and Saviour sent; 



PARADISE LOST. 229 

And the instant stroke of death, denounced that day, 

Removed far off ; then pityhig how they stood 

Before him naked to the air, that now 

Must suffer change, disdained not to begin 

Thenceforth tlie form of servant to assume, 

As when he washed his servants' feet ; so now, 

As father of his family, lie clad 

Their nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain. 

Or as the snake with youthful coat repaid ; 

And thought not much to clothe his enemies : 

Nor he their outward only with the skins 

Of beasts ; but inward nakedness, much more 

Opprobrious, Avith his robe of righteousness 

Arraying, covered from his Father's sight. 

To him with swift ascent he up returned, 

Into his blissful bosom reassumed 

In glory as of old ; to him appeased. 

All, though all-knowing, what had passed with man 

Recounted, mixing intercession sweet. 

Meanwhile, ere thus was sinned and judged on earthj 
Within the gates of Hell sat Sin and Death, 
In counterview within the gates, that now 
Stood open wide, belching outrageous flame 
Far into Chaos, since the Fiend passed through. 
Sin opening ; who thus now to Death began : 

" O son, why sit we here each other viewing 
Idly, while Satan our great author thrives 
In other worlds, and happier seat j^rovides 
For us his offspring dear ? It cannot be 
But that success attends him ; if mishap, 
Ere this he had returned, with fury driven 
By his avengers, since no place like this 
Can fit his punishment, or their revenge. 
Methinks I feel new strength within me rise, 
Wings growing, and dominion given me large 
Beyond this deep ; whatever draws me on, 
Or sympathy, or some connatural force, 
Powerful at greatest distance to unite 
With secret amity things of like kind 
By secretest conveyance. Thou, my shade 



230 PARADISE LOST. 

Inseparable, must with me along ; 
For Death from Sin no power can separate. 
But lest the difficulty of passing back 
Stay his return perhaps over tliis gulf 
ImpavSsable, impervious, let us try 
Adventurous work, yet to thy power and mine 
Not unagi'eeable, to found a path 
Over this main from Hell to that new world 
Where Satan now prevails ; a monument 
Of merit high to all the infernal host, 
Easing their passage hence, for intercourse, 
Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead. 
Nor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn 
By this new-felt attraction and instinct." 

Wliom thus the meagi'e shadow answered soon : 
" Go whither fate and inclination strong 
Lead thee ; I shall not lag behind, nor err 
The way, thou leading ; such a scent I draw 
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste 
The savour of death from all things there that live: 
Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest 
Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid." 

So saying, with delight he snuffed the smell 
Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock 
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote, 
Against the day of battle, to a field 
Where armies lie encamped, come flying, lured 
With scent of living carcasses designed 
For death, the following day, in bloody fight: 
So scented the grim feature, and upturned 
His nostril wide into the murky air. 
Sagacious of his quarry from so far. 
Then both from out PTell-gates into the waste 
Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark. 
Flew diverse ; and with power (their power was great) 
Hovering upon the waters, what they met 
Solid or flimsy, as in raging sea 
Tossed up and down together, crowded drove 
From each side shoaling towards the mouth of Hell : 
4s when two polar winds, blowing adverse 



PARADISE LOST. 231 

Upon the Cronian sea, together drive 

Mountains of ice, that stop the imagined way 

Beyond Petsora eastward, to the rich 

Cathaian coast. The aggregated soil 

Death, with his mace petrific, cold and dry, 

As with a trident smote, and fixed as firm 

As Delos floating once ; the rest his look 

Bound with Gorgonian rigour not to move ; 

And with asphaltic slime, broad as the gate, 

Deep to the roots of Hell the gathered beach 

They fastened, and the mole immense wrought on 

Over the foaming deep high arched, a bridge 

Of length prodigious, joining to the wall 

Immoveable of this now senseless world 

Forfeit to Death ; from hence a passage broad, 

Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to Hell. 

So, if great things to small may be compared, 

Xerxes, the liberty of Greece to yoke, 

From Susa, his Memnonian palace high, 

Came to the sea, and, over Hellespont 

Bridging his way, Europe with Asia joined. 

And scourged with many a stroke the indignant Jwavea. 

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art 

Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock. 

Over the vexed abyss, following the track 

Of Satan to the self-same place where he 

First lighted from his wing, and landed safe 

From out of Chaos, to the outside bare 

Of tills round world : with pins of adamant 

And chains they made all fast, too fast they made, 

And durable ; and now in little space 

The confines met of empyrrean Heaven, 

And of this world ; and, on the left hand. Hell 

With long reach interposed ; three several ways 

In sight, to each of these three places "led. 

And now their way to earth they had descried, 

To Paradise first tending, when behold 

Satan, in likeness of an angel bright. 

Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion steering 

His zenith, while the sun in Aries rose : 



2B2 PARADISE LOST. 

Disguised he came, but those his children dea 
Their parent soon discerned, tliongh in disguise. 
He, after Eve seduced, unniinded slunk 
Into the wood fast by ; and, changing shape 
To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act 
By Kve, though all unweeting, seconded 
Upon her husband, saw their shame that sought 
Vain covertures ; but when he saw descend 
The Son of God to judge them, terrified 
He fled, not hoping to escape, but shun 
The present, fearing guilty what his wrath 
Might suddenly inflict ; that past, returned 
By night, and listening wiiere the hapless pair 
Sat in their sad discourse, and various plaint, 
Thence gathered his own doom, which understood 
Not instant, but of future time, with joy 
And tidings fraught, to Hell he now returned ; 
And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot 
Of this new wondrous pontifice, unhoped 
Met who to meet him came, his offspring dear. 
Great joy was at their meeting, and at sight 
Of that stupendous bridge his joy increased. 
Long he admirinir stood, till Sin, his fair 
Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke : 

" O parent, these are thy magnific deeds, 
Thy trophies, which thou view'st as not thine own; 
Thou art their author and prime architect : 
Eor I no sooner in my heart divined, 
My heart, which by a secret harmony 
Still moves with thine, joined in connection sweet, 
That thou on earth hadst prospered, which thy lookil 
N.ow also evidence, but straight I felt. 
Though distant from thee worlds between, yet felt 
That I must after thee with this thy son, 
Such fatal consequence unites us three : 
Hell could not longer hold us in her bounds, 
Nor this unvoyageable gulf ol)scure 
Detain from following thy illustrious track. 
Thou hast achieved bur liberty, confined 
Within Hell-gates till nov\', thou us empowered 



PAEADISE LOST. 233 

To fortify thus far, and overlay 

With this portentous bridge the dark abyss. 

Thine now is all this world ; thy virtue hath won 

What thy hands builded not, thy wisdom gained 

With odds what war hath lost, and fully avenged 

Our foil in Heaven ; here thou shalt monarch reign, 

There didst not; there let him still victor sway, 

As battle hath adjudged, from this new world 

Retiring, by his own doom alienated ; 

And henceforth monarchy with thee divide, 

Of all things parted by the empyreal bounds. 

His quadrature, from thy orbicular world, 

Or try thee now more dangerous to his throne." 

Whom thus the prince of darkness answered glad; 
" Fair daughter, and thou son and grandchild both, 
High proof ye now have given to be the race 
Of Satan (for I glory in the name. 
Antagonist of Heaven's almighty King) ; 
Amply have merited of me, of all 
The infernal empire, that so near Heaven's door 
Triumphal with triumphal act liave met, 
Mine, with this glorious work, and made one realm 
Hell and this world, one realm, one continent 
Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore, while I 
Descend through darkness, on your road with ease. 
To my associate powers, them to acquaint 
With these successes, and with them rejoice ; 
You two this way, among these numerous orbs 
All yours, right down to Paradise descend ; 
There dwell and reign in bliss, thence on the earth 
Dominion exercise, and in the air. 
Chiefly on man, sole lord of all declared; 
Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill. 
My substitutes I send ye, and create 
Plenipotent on earth, of matchless might 
Issuing from me : on your joint vigour now 
My hold of this new kingdom all depends. 
Through Sin to Death exjiosed by my exploit. 
If your joint power prevail, the affairs of Hell 
No detriment need fear ; go, and be strong." 



234 PARADISE LOST. 

So saying, he dismissed thera ; they with speed 
Their course through thickest constellations held, 
Spreading their bane; the blasted stars looked wan.' 
And planets, plant-struck, real eclipse 
Then suffered. The other way Satan went down 
The causey to Hell gate; on either side 
Disparted Chaos, over built, exclaimed, 
And with rebounding surge the bars assailed, 
That scorned his indignation ; through the gate, 
Wide o])en and unguarded, Satan passed, 
And all about found desolate ; for those 
Appointed to sit there, had left their charge, 
Flown to the upper world ; the rest were all 
Far to the inland retired, about the walls 
Of Pandemonium, city and proud seat 
Of Lucifer, so by allusion called, 
Of that bright star to Satan paragoned. 
There kept their watch the legions, while the grand 
In council sat, solicitous what chance 
Might intercept their emperor sent ; so he. 
Departing, gave command, and they observed. 
As when the Tartar from his Russian foe, 
By Astracan, over the snowy plains 
Retires ; or Bactrian Sophi, from the horns 
Of Turkish crescent, leaves all waste beyond 
The realm of Aladale, in his retreat 
To Tauris or Casbeen : so these, the late 
Heaven-banislied host, left desert utmost Hell 
Many a dark league, reduced in careful watch 
Round their metropolis, and now expecting 
Each hour their great adventurer from the search 
Of foreign worlds ; he through the midst unmarked, 
In show plebeian angel militant 
Of lowest order, passed ; and from the door 
Of that Plutonian hall, invisible 
Ascended his high throne, which, under state 
Of richest texture spread, at the upper end 
Was placed in regal lustre. Down a while 
He sat, and round about him saw unseen : 
At last, )9s from a cloud, his fulgent head 



PARADISE LOST. 



235 



And shape star-bright appeared, or brighter, clad 
With what permissive glory since his fall 
Was left him, or false glitter ; all amazed 
At that so sudden blaze the Stygian throng 
Bent their aspect, and whom they w^ished beheld, 
Their mighty chief returned : loud was the acclaim : 
Forth rush'd in haste the great consulting peers, 
Raised from their dark divan, and with like joy 
Congratulant approached him, who with hand 
Silence, and with these words attention, won : 

" Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers. 
For in possession such, not only of right, 
I call ye and declare ye now ; returned 
Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth 
Triumphant out of this infernal pit 
Abominable, accursed, the house of woe, 
And dungeon of our tyrant : now possess, 
As lords, a spacious world, to our native Heaven 
Little inferior, by my adventure hard 
With peril great achieved. Long were to tell 
What I have done, what suffered, with what pain 
Voyaged the unreal, vast, unbounded deep 
Of horrible confusion, over which 
By Sin and Death a broad way now is paved 
To expedite your glorious march ; but I 
Toiled out my uncouth ])assage, forced to ride 
The untractable abyss, plunged in the womb 
Of unoriginal night and Chaos wild. 
That, jealous of their secrets, fiercely opposed 
My journey strange, with clamorous uproar 
Protesting Fate supreme ; thence how I found 
The new-created world, which fame in Heaven 
Long had foretold, a fabric wonderful 
Of absolute perfection, therein man 
Placed in a Paradise, by our exile 
Made happy : him by fraud I have seduced 
From his Creator, and the more to increase 
Your wonder, with an a})ple ; He, thereat 
Offended (worth your laugliter), hath given up 
Both his beloved man and all his world, 



23b PARADISE LOST. 

To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us, 

Witliout our hazard, labour, or ahirra, 

To range in, and to dwell, and over man 

To rule, as over all he should have ruled. 

True is, me also he hath judged, or rather 

Me not, but the brute serpent in whose shape 

Man I deceived : that which to me belongs, 

Is enmity, which he will put between . ^ 

Me and mankind; I am to bruise his he^ f^-^^-—^ r 

His seed (when, is not set) shall bruise my bfad i\j2.£}l_^ 

A world who would not purchase with a bruise, 

Or much more grevious pain ? Ye have the accouiit 

Of my performance : what remains, ye gods. 

But up and enter now into full bliss ? " 

So having said, a while he stood, expecting 
Their universal shout and high applause 
To fill his ear ; when, contrary, he hears 
On all sides, from innumerable tongues, 
A dismal universal hiss, the sound 
Of public scorn : he wondered, but not long 
Had leisure, wondering at himself now more ; 
His visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare. 
His arms clung to his ribs, his legs intwining 
Each other, till supplanted down he fell 
A monstrous serpent on his belly prone, 
Reluctant, but in vain ; a greater power 
Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned, 
According to his doom : he ^vould have spoke. 
But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue 
To forked tongue, for now were all transformed 
Alike, to serpents all, as accessories 
To his bold riot : dreadful was the din 
Of hissing through the hall, thick swarming now 
With complicated monsters head and tail, 
Scorpion, and asp, and amphisbsena dire. 
Cerastes horned, hydriis, and elops drear, 
And dipsas (not so thick swarmed once the soil 
Bedropped with blood of Gorgon, or the isle 
Ophiusa) ; but still greatest he the midst. 
Now dragon grown, larger than whom the sun 






IPARADISE LOST. 237 

Engendered in the Pythian vale on slime, 

Huge Python, and his power no less he seemed 

Above the rest still to retain ; they all 

Him followed, issuing forth to the open field, 

Where all yet left of the revolted rout, 

Heaven-fallen, in station stood or just array, 

Sublime with expectation, when to see 

In triumph issuing forth their glorious chief; 

They saw, but other sight instead ! a crowd 

Of ugly serpents : horror on them fell, 

And horrid sympathy ; for what they saw, 

They felt themselves now changing ; down their arms, 

Down fell both spear and shield, down they as fast, 

And the dire hiss renewed, and the dire form 

Catched by contagion, like in punishment. 

As in their crime. Thus was the applause they meant 

Turned to exploding hiss, triumph to shame 

Cast on themselves from their own mouths. There 

stood 
A grove hard by, sprung up with this their change, 
His will who reigns above, to aggravate 
Their penance, laden with fair fruit, like that 
Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Eve 
Used by the tempter : on that prospect strange 
Their earnest eyes they fixed, imagining 
For one forbidden tree a multitude 
Now risen, to work them further woe or shame ; 
Yet, parched with scalding thirst and hunger fierce, 
Though to delude them sent, could not abstain, 
But on they rolled in heaps, and up the trees 
Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks 
That curled Megtera ; greedily they plucked 
The fruitage fair to sight, like that which grew 
Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flamed; 
This, more delusive, not the touch but taste 
Deceived ; they, fondly thinking to allay 
Their appetite with gust, instead of fruit 
Chewed bitter ashes, which the offended taste 
With spattering noise rejected : oft they assayed, 
Hunger and thirst constraining ; drugged as oft, 



238 PARADISE LOST. 

With hatefullest disrelish writhed their jaws 

With soot and cinders filled ; so oft they fell 

Into the same illusion, not as man 

Whom they triumphed once lapsed. Thus were tx.e^ 

plagued 
And worn with famine, long and ceaseless hiss, 
Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed ; 
Yearly enjoined, some say, to undergo 
This annual humbling certain numbered days, 
To dash their pride, and joy for man seduced. 
However, some tradition they dispersed 
Among the heathen of their purchase got, 
And fabled how the serpent, whom they called 
Ophion, with Eurynome, the Avide 
Encroaching Eve, ])erhaps, had first the rule 
Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven, 
And Ops, ere yet Dictaian Jove was born. 

Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair 
Too soon arrived ; Sin, there in power before, 
Once actual, now in body, and to dwell 
Habitual habitant ; behind her Death 
Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet 
On his pale horse : to whom Sin thus began : 

" Second of Satan sprung, all-conquering Deatb, 
What think'st thou of our empire now ; though earned 
With travel difiicult, not better far 
Tiian still at Hell's dark threshold to have sat watch, 
Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half-starved ? " 

Whom thus the Sin-born monster answered soon ; 
*' To me, who with eternal famine pine. 
Alike is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven ; 
There best, where most with ravine I may meet ; 
Vv^liich here, though plenteous, all too little seems 
To stuff this maw, this vast unhide-bound corps." 

To whom the incestuous mother thus replied : 
" Thou, therefore, on these herbs, and fruits, and flowers. 
Feed first, on each beast next, and fish, and fowl, 
No homely morsels ; and whatever thing 
The scythe of Time mows down, devour unsjjared ; 
Till I, in man residing, through the race. 



PARADISE LOST. 239 

His thoughts, his looks, words, actions all infect, 
And season him thy last and sweetest prey." 
This said, they botli betook them several ways, 
Both to destroy, or unimmortal make 
All kinds, and for destruction to mature 
Sooner or later ; which the Almighty seeing, 
From his transcendent seat the saints among, 
I'o those bright orders uttered thus his voice : 

" See with what heat these dogs of Hell advance 
To waste and havoc yonder world, which I 
So fair and good created, and had still 
Kept in that state, had not the folly of man 
Let in these wasteful furies, who impute 
Folly to me ; so doth the prince of Hell 
And his adherents, that with so much ease 
I suffer them to entei- and possess 
A place so heavenly ; and conniving seem 
To gratify my scornful enemies, 
That laugh, as if, transported with some fit 
Of passion, I to them had quitted all, 
At random yielded up to their misrule ; 
And know not that I called and drew them thither, 
My Hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth 
Which man's polluting sin with taint hath shed 
On what was pure, till, crammed and gorged nigh burtil 
With sucked and glutted offal, at one sling 
Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son, 
Both Sin, and Death, and yawing grave, at last - 
Through Chaos hurled, obstruct the mouth of Hell 
For ever, and seal up his ravenous jaws. 
Then Heaven and earth, renewed, shall be made pure 
To sanctity that shall receive no stain : 
Till then the curse pronounced on both precedes." 

He ended, and the heavenly audience loud 
Sung hallelujah, as the sound of seas, 
Througli multitude that sung : "Just are thy wiys, 
Righteous are thy decrees on all thy works ; 
Who can extenuate thee?" Kext, to the S©n, 
" Destined Restorer of mankind, by whom 
New Heaven and earth shall to the ac^es rise. 



240 PARADISE LOST. 

Or down from heaven descend." Such was their song; 

While the Creator, calling forth by name 

His mighty angels, gave them several charge, 

As sorted best with present things. The sun 

Had first his precept so to move, so shine, 

As might affect the earth with cold and heat 

Scarce tolerable ; and from the north to call 

Decrepit winter ; from the south to bring 

Solstitial summer's lieat. To the blank moon 

Her office they prescribed : to the other five 

Their planetary motions and aspects. 

In sextile, square, and trine, and opposite 

Of noxious efficacy ; and when to join 

In synod unbenign : and taught the fixed 

Their influence malignant when to showier ; 

Which of them, rising with th6 sun, or falling, 

Should prove tempestuous. To the winds they set 

Their corners ; when with bluster to confound 

Sea, air, and shore ; the thunder when to roll 

With terror through the dark aerial hall. 

Some say he bid his angels turn askance 

The poles of earth twice ten degrees and more 

From the sun's axle ; they with labour pushed 

Oblique the centric globe : some say the sun 

Was bid turn reins from the equinoctial road 

Like distant breadth to Taurus, with the seven 

Atlantic Sisters, and the Spartan Twins, 

Up to the Tropic Crab ; thence down amain 

By Leo, and the V^irgin, and the Scales, 

As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change 

Of seasons to each clime ; else had the sju'ing 

Perpetual smiled on earth with vernant flowers, 

Equal in days and nights, except to those 

Beyond the poler circles ; to them day 

Had unbenighted shone, while the low sun. 

To recompense his distance, in their sight 

Had rounded still tlie horizon, and not known 

Or east, or west, which had forbid the snow 

From cold Estotiland, and south as far 

Beneath Magellan. At that tasted fruit 



PARADISE LOST. 241 

The sun, as from Thyestean banquet, turned 
His course intended ; else how had the world 
Inhabited, though sinless, more than now, 
Avoided pinching cold and scorching heat? 
These changes in the heavens, though slow, produced 
Like change on sea and land ; sidei-al blast, 
Vapour, and mist, and exhalation hot. 
Corrupt and pestilent : now from the north 
Of Norumbega, and the Samoed shore. 
Bursting their brazen dungeon, armed with ice, 
And snow, and hail-, and stormy gust, and flaw; 
Boreas, and Caecias, and Argestes loud, 
And Thrascias rend the woods, and seas upturn ; 
With adverse blasts upturns them from the south, 
Notus, and Afer black with thunderous clouds 
From Serraliona ; thwart of these, as fierce, 
Forth rush the Levant and the Ponent winds, 
Eurus and Zephyr, with their lateral noise, 
Sirocco and Libecchio. TJnis began 
Outrage from lifeless things ; but Discord first, 
Daughter of Sin, among the irrational. 
Death introduced, through fierce antipathy : 
Beast now with beast 'gan war, and fowl with fowl 
And fish with fish ; to graze the herb all leaving, 
Devoured each other ; nor stood much in awe 
Of man, but fled him, or with countenance grim 
Glared on him passing. These were, from without, 
The growing miseries, which Adam saw 
iVlready in part, though hid in gloomiest shade, 
To sorrow abandoned ; but worse felt within, 
And, in a troubled sea of passion tossed, 
Thus to disburden sought v\'ith sad complaint: 

" Oh, miserable of happy ! is this the end 
Of this new glorious world, and me so late 
The glory of that glory, who now become 
Accursed, of blessed ? Hide me from the face 
Of God, whom to behold was then my height 
Of happiness ! Yet well, if here would end 
The misery ; I deserved it, and would bear 
Mv own deservings : but this will not serve : 

16 



<i 



242 PARADISE LOST. 

Ail that I eat or drink, or shall beget,. 

Is propagated curse. Oil, voice once heard 

Delightfully, ' Increase and multiply,' 

Now death to hear ! for what can I increase 

Or multiply but curses on my head? 

Who of all ages to succeed, but, feeling 

The evil on him brought by me, will curse 

My head ? ' 111 fare our ancestor impure ! 

For this we may thank Adam ;' but his thanks 

Shall be the execration ; so besides 

Mine own that bide upon me, all from me 

Shall with a fierce reflux on me rebound ; 

On me, as on their natural centre liglit. 

Heavy, though in their place! O fleeting joys 

Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes ! 

Did I request thee. Maker, from my clay 

To mould me man ? did I solicit thee 

From darkness to promote me ? or here place 

In this delicious garden ? As my will 

Concurred not to my being, it were but right 

And equal to reduce me to my dust, 

Desirous to resign and render back 

All I received, unable to perform 

Tliy terms too hard, by which I was to hold 

The good I sought not. To the loss of that, 

Sufficient penalty ! why hast thou added 

The sense of endless woes ? Inexplicable 

Thy justice seems ; yet, to say truth, too late 

I thus contest ; then should have been refused 

Those teiwus, whatever, when they were proposed : 

Tliou didst accept them. Wilt thou enjoy the good, 

Then cavil the conditions ? and though God 

Made thee without thy leave, what if thy son 

Prove disobedient, and reproved, retort, 

' Wherefore didst thou beget me ? I sought it not : ' 

Wouldst thou admit, for his contempt of thee, 

That proud excase? Yet him, not thy election, 

~ut natural necessity, begot. 

God made thee of choice his own, and of his own 

To serve him : thy reward was of his grace ; 



PARADISE LOST. 243 

Tliy pnnislinieiit then, justly, is at his will J 

Be it so, for I submit : his doom is fair ; '^ 

Tliat dust I am, and shall to dust return. 

O welcome hour whenever ! Why delays 

His hand to execute what his decree 

Fixed on this day ? Why do I over-live ? 

Wliy am I mocked with death, and lengthened out 

To deathless pain ? How gladly would I meet 

Mortality my sentence, and be earth 

Insensible ! how glad would lay me down 

As in my mother's lap ! there I should rest 

And sleep secure : his dreadful voice no more 

Would thunder in my ears ; no fear of worse 

To me and to my offspring would torment me 

With cruel expectation. Yet one doubt 

Pursues me still, lest all I cannot die; 

Lest that pure breath of life, the spirit of man 

Wliich God inspired, cannot together perish 

With this corporeal clod ; then in the grave, 

Or in some other dismal place, who knows 

But I shall die a living death ? O thought 

Horrid, if true ! Yet why ? It was but breath 

Of life that sinned : what dies but what had life 

And sin ? The body properly had neither. 

All of me then shall die : let this appease 

The doubt, since human reach no further knows. 

For though the Lord of all be infinite, 

Is his wrath also ? Be it ; man is not so, 

But mortal doomed. How can he exercise 

Wrath without end on man whom death must end ? 

Can he make deathless death ? That were to make 

Strange contradiction, which to God himself 

Impossible is lield, as argument 

Of weakness, not of power. Will he draw out, 

For anger's sake, finite to infinite 

In ]iunislied man, to satisfy his rigour 

Satisfied never ? That were to extend 

His sentence beyond dust and nature's law, 

By which all causes else according still 

To the reception of their matter act, 



244 PARADISE LOST. 

ISTot to the extent of their own sphere. But say 

That death be not one stroke, as I supposed, 

Bereaving sense, but endless misery 

From this day onward, which I feel begun 

Both in me, and without me, and so last 

To perpetuity : ay me ! that fear 

Comes thundering back with dreadful revolution 

On my defenceless head ; both Death and I 

Am found eternal, and incorporate both : 

Nor I on my part single : in me all 

Posterity stands cursed. Fair patrimony 

That I must leave ye, sons. Oh ! were I able 

To waste it all myself, and leave ye none ! 

So disinherited, how would ye bless 

Me now your curse ! Ah ! why should all mankind 

For one man's fault thus guiltless be condemned, 

If guiltless ? But from me what can proceed, 

But all corrupt, both mind and will depraved, 

Not to do only, but to will the same 

With me ? How can they then acquitted stand 

In sight of God ? Him, after all disputes, 

Forced I absolve : all my evasions vain ; 

And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me still 

But to my own conviction : first and last 

On me, me only, as the source and spring 

Of all corruption, all the blame lights due ; 

So might the wrath ! Fond wish ! couldst thou support 

That burden heavier than the earth to bear. 

That all the world much heavier, though divided 

With that bad woman ? Thus vdiat thou desir'st, 

And what thou fear'st, alike destroys all hope 

Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable 

Beyond all past example and futtire. 

To Satan only like both crime and doom. 

conscience ! into what abyss of fears 

And horrors hast thou driven me, out of which 

1 find no way, from deep to deeper plunged ! " 

Thus Adam to himself lamented loud. 
Through the still night ; not now, as ere man fell. 
Wholesome, and cool, and mild ; but with black air 



PARADISE LOST. 245 

Accompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom, 

Which to his evil conscience represented 

All things with double terror : on the ground 

Outstretched he lay, on the cold ground, and oft 

Cursed his creation, death as oft accused 

Of tardy execution, since denounced 

The day of his offence. ( " Why conies not death," 

Said he, " with one thrice acceptable stroke ^ 

To end me ? Shall truth fail to keep her word ? 

Justice divine not hasten to be just? 

But death comes not at call ; justice divine 

Mends not her slowest pace for prayers or cries. 

woods ! O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bowers ! 
With other echo late I taught your shades 

To answer, and resound far other song." 

Whom thus afflicted, when sad Eve beheld. 
Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh, 
Soft words to his fierce passion she assayed ; 
But her with stern regard he thus repelled ; 

" Out of my sight, thou serpent ! that name best 
Befits thee with him leagued, thyself as false 
And hateful ; nothing wants but that thy shape, 
Like his, and colour serpentine, may show 
Thy inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee 
Henceforth ; lest that too heavenly form pretended 
To hellish falsehood snare them. But for thee 

1 had persisted happy, had not thy pride 
And wandering vanity, when least was safe. 
Rejected my forewarning, and disdained 
Not to be trusted, longing to be seen. 
Though by the devil himself, him overweening 
To over-reach, but with the serpent meeting 
Fooled and beguiled; by him thou, I by thee; 
To trust thee from my side, imagined wise, 
Constant, mature, proof against all assaults; 
And understood not all was but a show, 
Rather than solid virtue ; all but a rib. 
Crooked Ijy nature ; bent, as now appears, 
More to the part sinister, from me drawn ; 
Well if thrown out, as supernumerary 



246 PARADISE LOST. 

To my just number found. Oh ! why did God, 

Creator wise, that peopled highest Heaven 

With spirits masculine, create at last 

This novelty on earth, this fair defect 

Of nature, and not fill the world at once 

With men, as angels, without feminine, 

Or find some other way to generate 

Mankind ? This mischief had not then befallen, 

And more that shall befall, innumerable 

Disturbances on earth through female snares, 

And strait conjunction with this sex : for either 

He never shall find out fit mate, but such 

As some misfortune brings him, or mistake; 

Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain 

Through her perverseness, but shall see her gained 

By a far worse, or if she love, withheld 

By parents ; or his happiest choice too late 

Shall meet, already linked and wedlock-bound 

To a fell adversary, his hate or shame ; 

Which infinite calamity shall cause 

To human life, and household peace confound." 

He added not, and from her turned ; but Eve, 
Not so repulsed, with tears that ceased not flowing, 
And tresses all disordered, at his feet 
Fell humble, and embracing them, besought 
His peace, and thus proceeded in Jier plaint : 

" Forsake me not thus, Adam ! witness Heaven 
What love sincere, and reverence in my heart 
I bear thee, and unw^eeting have offended. 
Unhappily deceived ! Thy suppliant 
I beg, and clasp thy knees ; bereave me not 
Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid, 
Thy counsel in this uttermost distress, 
My only strength and stay ; forlorn of thee, * 
Whither shall I betake me, where subsist ? 
While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps, 
Between us two let there be peace, both joining, 
As joined in injuries, one enmity 
Against a foe by doom express assigned us, 
That cruel serpent on me exercise not 



PARADISE LOST. 247 

Thy hatred for this misery befallen, 
On me ah-eady lost, me then thyself 
More miserable ; both have sinned, but thou 
Against God only, I against God and thee, 
And to the place of judgment will return, 
There with my cries importune Heaven, that all 
The sentence, from thy head removed, may light 
On me, sole cause to thee of all this woe. 
Me, me only, just object of his ire." 

She ended weeping, and her lowly plight, 
Immoveable till peace obtained from fault 
Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought 
Commiseration ; soon his heart relented 
Towards her, his life so late, and sole delight, 
Now at his feet submissive in distress, 
Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking, 
His counsel whom she had displeased, his aid; 
As one disarmed, his anger all he lost, 
And thus with peaceful words upraised her soon: 

" Unwary, and too desirous, as before, 
So now of what thou know'st not, who desir'st 
The punishment all on thyself ; alas ! 
Bear thine own first, ill al3le to sustain 
His full wrath, whose thou feel'st*as yet least part, 
And my displeasure bear'st so ill. If prayers 
Could alter high decrees, I to that place 
Would speed before thee, and be louder heard, 
That on my head all might be visited. 
Thy frailty and infirm er sex forgiven, 
To me committed and by me exposed. 
But rise, let us no more contend, nor blame 
Each other, blamed enough elsewhere, but strive 
In offices of love, how we may lighten 
Each other's burden in a share of woe; 
Since this day's death denounced, if aught T see, 
Will prove no sudden, but a slow-paced evil, 
A long day's dying to augment our pain. 
An 1 to our seed (O hapless seed!) derived." 

To whom thus Eve, recovering heart, replied : 
" Adam, by sad expei'iment I know 



248 PARADISE LOST. 

How littl* weight my worcls with thee can find, 
Found so erroneous, thence by just event 
Found so unfortunate ; nevertheless, 
Restored by thee, vile as I am, to place 
Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain 
Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart 
Living or dying, from thee I will not hide 
What thoughts in my unquiet breast are risen, 
Tending to some relief of our extremes, 
Or end, though sharp and sad, yet tolerable, 
As in our evils, and of easier choice. 
If care of our descent perplex us most 
Which must be born to certain woe, devoured 
By death at last ] and miserable it is 
To be to others cause of misery, 
Our own begotten, and of our loins to bring 
Into this cursed world a woeful race. 
That after wretched life must be at last 
Food for so foul a monster ; in thy power 
It lies, yet ere conception to prevent 
The race unblessed, to being yet unbegot. 
Childless thou art, childless remain ; so Death 
Shall be deceived his glut, and with us two 
Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw. " 
But if thou judge it hard and difficult, 
Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain 
From love's due rites, nuptial embraces sweet, 
And with desire to languish without hope, 
Before the present object languishing 
With like desire, which would be misery 
And torment less than none of what we dread} 
Then, both ourselves and seed at once to free 
From what we fear for both, let us make short, 
Let us seek Death, or he not found, supply 
With our own hands his office on ourselves. 
Why stand we longer shivering under fears, 
That show no end but death, and have the power. 
Of many ways to die the shortest choosing, 
Destruction with destruction to destroy ? " 
She ended here, or vehement despair 



PARADISE LOST. 

Broke off the rest ; so much of death her thoughts 
Plad entertained, as dyed her cheeks with pale. 
But Adam with such counsel nothing swayed, 
To better hopes liis more attentive mind 
Laboring had raised, and thus to Eve replied : 

" Eve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems 
To argue in thee something more sublime 
And excellent than what thy mind contemns ; 
But self-destruction therefore sought, refutes 
That excellence thought in thee, and implies, 
ISTot thy contempt, but anguish and regret 
For loss of life and pleasure overloved. 
Or if thou covet death, as utmost end 
Of misery, so thinking to evade 
The penalty pronounced, doubt not but God 
Hath wiselier armed his vengeful ire than so 
To be forestalled ; much more I fear lest death. 
So snatched, will not exempt us from the pain 
We are by doom to pay ; rather such acts 
Of contumacy will provoke the Highest 
To make death in us live. Then let us seek 
Some safer resolution, which methinks 
I have in view, calling to mind with heed 
Part of our sentence, that thy seed shall bruise 
The serpent's head ; piteous amends ! unless 
Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand foe 
Satan, who in the serpent hath contrived 
Against us this deceit : to crush his head 
Would be revenge indeed ; which will be lost 
By death brought on ourselves, or childless daya 
Resolved as thou proposest ; so our foe 
Shall 'scape his punishment ordained, and we 
[nstead shall double ours upon our heads. 
No more be mentioned then of violence 
Against ourselves, and wilful barrenness, 
That cuts us off from hope, and savours only 
Rancour and pride, imjjatience and despite, 
Reluctance against God and his just yoke 
Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild 
A.nd gracious temper he both heard and judged 



ii9 



260 PARADISE LOST. 

Without wrath or reviling ; we expected 

Immediate dissolution, which we thought 

Was meant by death that day, when lo ! to thee 

Pains only in child-bearing were foretold, 

And bringing forth, soon recompensed with joy, 

Fruit of thy womb : on me the curse aslope 

Glanced on the ground : with labour I must earn 

My bread ; what harm? Idleness had been worse, 

My labour will sustain me ; and lest cold 

Or heat should injure us, his timely care 

Hath unbesought provided, and his hands 

Clothed us unworthy, pitying while he judged ; 

How much more, if we pray him, will his ear 

Be open, and his heart to pity incline. 

And teach us further by what means to shun 

The inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow? 

Which now the sky with various face begins 

To show us in this mountain, while the winds 

Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks 

Of these fair-spreading trees ; which bids us seek 

Some better warmth to cherish 

Our limbs benumbed, ere this diurnal star 

Leave cold the night, how we his gathered beams 

Reflected, may with matter sere foment ; 

Or, by collision of two bodies, grind 

The air attrite to lire, as late the clouds 

Justling, or pushed with winds, rude in their shock, 

Tine the slant lightning, whose thwart flame driven down 

Kindles the gummy bai'k of fir or pine. 

And sends a comfortable heat from far, 

Which might supply the sun : such fire to use, 

And what may else be remedy or cure 

To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, 

He will instruct us praying, and of grace 

Beseeching him, so as we need not fear 

To pass comra odiously this life, sustained 

By him with many comforts, till we end 

In dust our final rest and native home. 

What better can we do, than, to the place 

Repairing where he judged us, prostrate fall 



PARADISE LOST. 251 

Before him reverent, and there confess 
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears 
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 
Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek? 
r Undoubtedly he will relent and turn 
From his displeasure ; in whose look serene, 
When angry most he seemed and most severe, ^ 
What else but favour, grace, and mercy shone ?'V) 
(So spake our father penitent, nor Eve 
Felt less remorse : they forthwith to the place 
Repairing where he judged them, prostrate fell 
Before him reverent, and both confessed 
Humbly their faults, and pardon begged, with tears 
Watering the ground, and with their sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign ' j 
Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek. / 



252 ' PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK XL 



THE ARGUMENT. 

The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents, 
now repenting, ana intercedes for them : God accepts them, but declares 
that they must no longer abide in Paradise ; sends Michael with a band 
of cheriibim to dispossess them ; but first to reveal to Adam future 
things : Michael's coming down. Adam shows to Eve certain ominous 
signs ; he discerns Michael's approach ; goes out to meet him : the 
angel denounces their dejiartiire. Eve's lamentation. Adam pleads, 
but submits : the angel leads him up to a high hill ; sees before him in 
vision what shall happen till the flood. 

Thus they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood 

Praying ; for, from the mercy-seat above, 

Prevenient grace descending had removed 

The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh 

Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed 

Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer 

Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight 

Than loudest oratory ; yet their port 

Not of mean suitors, nor important less 

Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair 

In fables old, less ancient yet than these 

Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore 

The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine 

Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers 

Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds 

Blown vagabond or frustrate : in they passed 

Dimensionless through heavenly doors ; then clad 

With incense, where the golden altar fumed, 

By their great Intercessor, came in sight 

Before the Father's throne : them the glad Son 

Presenting thus to intercede began : 

" See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung 



PARADISE LOST. 253 

From thy implanted grace in man ; these sighs 

And prayers, wliich in this golden eenser, mixed 

With incense-, I thy priest before thee bring, 

Fruits of more pleasing savour, from thy seed 

Sown with contrition in his heart, than those 

Which his own hand, manuring all the trees 

Of Paradise, could have produced, ere fallen 

From innocence. Now therefore bend thine ear 

To supplication ; hear his sighs, though mute ; 

Unskilful with what words to pray, let me 

Interpret for him, me his advocate 

And propitiation : all his works on me, 

Good or not good, ingraft ; my merit those 

Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. 

Accept me, and in me from these receive 

The smell of peace toward mankiud ; let him live 

Before thee reconciled, at least his days 

Numbered, though sad, till death, his doom (which I 

To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse), 

To better life shall yield liim, where with me 

All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss, 

Made one with me, as I with tliee am one." 

To whom the father, without cloud, serene: 
" All thy request for man, accepted Son, 
Obtain : all thy request was my decree ; 
But longer in that Paradise to dwell, 
The law I gave to nature him forbids. 
Those pure immortal elements that know 
No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul, 
Eject him tainted now, and purge him off 
As a distemper, gross to air as gross, 
And mortal food, as may dispose him best 
For dissolution wrought by sin, that first 
Distempered all things, and of inc^orrupt 
Corrupted. I at first with two fair gifts 
Created him endow^ed, with happiness 
And immortality : that fondly lost, ^ 

This other served but to eternize woe. 
Till I provided death ; so death becomes 
His final remedy, and after life 



254 PAEADISE LOST. 

Tried in sharp tribulation, and refined 

By faith and faithful works, to second life, 

Waked in the renovation of the just, 

Resigns him up with Heaven and earth renewed. 

But let us call to synod all the blest 

Through Heaven's widt bounds ; from them I will not 

hide 
My judgments, how with mankind I proceed, 
As how with peccant angels late they saw, 
And in their state, though firm, stood more confirmed." 

He ended ; and the Son gave signal high 
To the bright minister that watched : he blew 
His trumpet, heard in Oreb since perhaps 
When God descended, and perhaps once more 
To sound at general doom. The angelic blast 
Filled all the regions : from their blissful bowers 
Of amarantliine shade, fountain, or spring, 
By the waters of life, where'er they sat 
In fellowships of joy, the sons of light 
Hasted, resorting to the summons high, 
And took their seats ; till from his throne supreme 
The Almighty thus pronounced his sovran will: 

" O sons ! like one of us man is become 
To know both good and evil, since his taste 
Of that defended fruit ; but let him boast 
His knowledge of good lost, and evil got ; 
Happier, had it sufficed him to have known 
Good by itself, and evil not at all. 
He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite, 
My motions in him ; longer than they move, 
His heart I know how variable and vain. 
Self-left. Lest therefore his now bolder hand 
Reach also of the tree of life, and eat, 
And live for ever, dream at least to live 
For ever, to remove him I decree. 
And send him from the garden forth to till 
The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil. 

" Michael, this my behest have thou in charge : 
Take to thee from among the cherubim 
Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the fiend. 



PARADISE LOST. 265 

Or in behall of man, or to invade 

Vacant possession, some new trouble raise : 

Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God 

Without remorse drive out the sinful pair, * 

From hallowed ground the unholy, and denounce 

To them and to their progeny from thence 

Perpetual banishment. Yet lest they faint 

At the sad sentence rigorously urged 

(For I behold them softened, and with tears 

Bewailing their excess), all terrol' hide. 

If patiently thy bidding tliey obey, 

Dismiss them not disconsolate ; reveal 

To Adam what shall come in future days, 

As I shall thee enlighten : intermix 

My covenant in the woman's seed renewed ; 

So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace | 

And on the east side of the garden place. 

Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs, 

Cherubic watch, and of a svvord the flame 

Wide-waving, all approach far off to fright, 

And guard all passage to the tree of life ; 

Lest Paradise a receptacle prove 

To spirits foul, and all my trees their prey, 

With whose stolen fruit man once more to delude.'* 

He ceased ; and the arch angelic power prepared 
For swifts descent ; with him the cohort bright 
Of watchful cherubim : four faces each 
Had, like a double Janus ; all their shape 
Spangled with eyes, more numerous than those 
Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse, 
Charmed with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed 
Of Hermes, or his o]:)iate rod. Meanwhile, 
To resalute the world with sacred light, 
Leucothea waked, and with fresh dews embalmed 
The earth ; when Adam and first matron Eve 
Had ended now their orisons, and found 
Strength added from above ; new hope to spring 
Ont of despair; joy, but with fear yet linked ; 
Which- thus to Eve his welcome words renewed: 

" Eve ! easily may faith admit that all 



rjDCt PARADISE LOST. 

The good which we enjoy from Heaven descends: 
But, that from us aught should ascend to Heaven, 
So prevalent as to concern the mind 
Of God high blest, or to incline his will, 
Hard to belief may seem ; yet this will prayer, 
Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne 
Even to the seat of God. For since I sought 
]5y prayer the offended Deity to appease, 
Kneeled, and before him humbled all my heart, 
Meth ought I saw him placable, and mild, 
Bending his ear : persuasion in me grew 
That I was heard with favour ; peace returned 
Home to my breast ; and to my memory 
His promise, that thy seed shall bruise our foe ; 
Which, then not minded in dismay, yet now 
Assures me that the bitterness of death 
Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee, 
Eve rightly called, mo-ther of all mankind ! 
Mother of all things living, since by thee 
Man is to live ; and all thhigs live for man." 

To whom thus Eve, with sad demeanour meek : 
" Ill-worthy I, such title should belong 
To me trangressor ! who, for thee ordained 
A help, became thy snare : to me reproach 
Rather belongs, distrust, and all dispraise. 
But infinite in pardon was my Judge, 
That I, who first brought death on all, am graced 
The source of life : next favourable thou, 
Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsaf st, 
Far other names deserving. But the field 
To labour calls us, now with sweat imposed, 
Though after sleepless night ; for see ! the mom, 
All unconcerned with our unrest, begins 
Her rosy progress smiling : let us forth ; 
I never from thy side henceforth to stray, 
Where'er our day's work lies, though now enjoined 
Laborious till day droo]) : while here we dwell, 
What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks ? 
Here let us live, though in fallen state, content ! " 

S<i spake, so w^'^hed, much-humbled Eve; but fate 



PARADISE LOST. 257 

Subscribed not : nature first gave signs, impressed 
On bird, beast, air : air suddenly eclipsed, 
After short blush of morn ; nigh in her sight 
The bird of Jove, stooped from his airy tour, 
Two birds of gayest plume before him drove ; 
Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods, 
First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace. 
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind ; 
Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight. 
Adam observed, and with his eye the chase 
Pursuing, not unmoved, to Eve thus spake : 

" O Eve ! some further change awaits us nigh, 
Which Heaven, by these mute signs of nature, shows 
Forerunners of his purpose : or to warn 
Us, haply to secure of our discharge 
From penalty, because from death released 
Some days : how long, and what till then our life, 
Who knows ? or more than this, that we are dust, 
And thither must return, and be no more ? 
Why else this double object in our sight 
Of flight pursued in the air, and o'er the ground, 
One way the self-same hour ? why in the east 
Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning-light 
More orient in yon western cloud, that draws 
O'er the blue firmament a radiant while. 
And slow descends with something heavenly fraught?'* 

He erred not; for by this the heavenly bands 
Down from the sky of jasper lighted now 
In Paradise, and on a hill made halt, 
A glorious apparition, had not doubt 
And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam's eye. 
Not that more glorious, w^hen the angels met 
Jacob in Mahanaim, where he saw 
The field pavilioned with his guardians bright; 
Nor that, which on the flaming mount appeared 
In Doth an, covered with a camp of fire ; 
Against the Syrian king ; who, to surprise 
One man, assassion like, had levied war. 
War unproclaitned. The princely hierarch 
In their bright stand there left his powers, to seize 

17 



258 PARADISE LOST. 

Possession of the garden : he alone, 

To find where Adam sheltered, took his way ; 

Not unpercived of Adam, who to Eve, 

While the great visitant approached, thus spake : 

" Eve, now expect great tidings, which perhaps 
Of us will soon determine, or impose 
New laws to be observed ; for I descry. 
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill, 
One of the heavenly host, and, by his gait, 
None of the meanest; some great potentate, 
Or of the thrones above ; such majesty 
Invests him coming ! yet not terrible. 
That I should fear ; nor sociably mild, 
As Raphael, that I should much confide ; 
But solemn and sublime ; whom, not to offend, 
With reverence I must meet, and thou retire." 
He ended : and the archangel soon drew nigh, 
Nor in his shape celestial, but as man 
Clad to meet man ; over his lucid arms 
A military vest of purple flowed. 
Livelier than Meliboean, or the grain 
Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old 
In time of truce ; Iris had di])ped the woof : 
His starry helm unbuckled showed him prime 
In manhood where youth ended : by his side, 
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword, 
Satan's dire dread ; and in his hand the spear. 
Adam bowed low : he, kingly, from his state 
Inclined not, but his coming thus declared : 

" Adam ! Heaven's high behest no preface needs 
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard; and Death, 
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress, 
Defeated of his seizure : many days 
Given thee of grace, wherein thou mayest repent, 
And one bad act with many deeds well done 
Mayst cover : well may then thy Lord, appeased. 
Redeem thee quite from Death's rapacious claim; 
But longer in this Paradise to dwell 
Permits not : to move thee I am come, 
And send thee from the garden forth, to till 



PAKADISE LOST. 259 

The ground whence thou wast taken ; fitter soil." 

He added not ; for Adam at the news 
Heart-struck with chilling gripe of sorrow stood, 
That all his senses bound : Eve, who unseen 
Yet all had heard, with audible lament 
Discovered soon the place of her retire : 

" Oh, unexpected stroke, worse than of death I 
Must I thus leave thee. Paradise ? thus leave 
Thee, native soil, these hap])y walks and shades, 
Fit haunt of gods ? where I had hope to spend, 
Quiet, though sad, the respite of that day 
That must be mortal to us both. O flowers, 
That never will in other climate grow, 
My early visitation, and my last 
At even, which I bred up with tender hand 
From the first opening bud, and gave* ye names ; 
Who now shall rear ye to the sun, or rank 
Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount? 
Thee lastly, nuptial bower, by me adorned, 
With what to sight or smell was sweet; from thee 
How shall I part, and whether wander down 
Into a lower world, to this obscure 
And wild ? how shall we breathe in other air 
Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits?" 
Whom thus the angel interrupted mild : 
" Lament not. Eve, but patiently resign 
What justly thou hast lost: nor set thy heart. 
Thus over-fond, in that which is not thine : 
Thy going is not lonely ; with thee goes 
Thy husband ; him to follow thou art bound ; 
Where he abides, think there thy native soil.' 

Adam, by this from the cold sudden damp 
Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned, 
To Michael thus his humble words addressed : 

" Celestial, whether among the thrones, or named 
Of them the highest, for such of shape may seem 
Prince above princes, gently hast thou told 
Thy message, which might else in telling wound. 
And in performing end us ; what besides 
Of sorrow and dejection and despair 



260 PAKADISE LOST. 

Oar frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring, 

Departure frora this happy phice, our sweet 

Recess, and only consolation lift 

Familiar to our eyes ; all places else 

Inhospitable appear and desolate, 

Nor knowing us nor known : and if by praye? 

Incessant I could hope to change the will 

Of him who all things can, I would not cease 

To weary him with ray assiduous cries : 

But prayer against his absolute decree 

No more avails than breath against the wind, 

Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth: 

Therefore to his great bidding I submit. 

This most afflicts me, that, departing hence, 

As from, his face I shall be hid, deprived 

His blessed countenance ; here I could frequent 

With worship place by place where he vouchsafed 

Presence divine, and to my sons relate. 

On this mount he appeared ; under this tree 

Stood visible ; among these pines his voice 

I heard ; here with him at this fountain talked : 

So many grateful altars I would rear 

Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone 

Of lustre from the brook, in memory, 

Or monument to ages, and thereon 

Offer sweet smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. 

In yonder nether world where shall I seek 

His bright appearances, or footsteps trace? 

For though I fled him angry, yet, recalled 

To life prolonged and promised race, I now 

Gladly beheld though but his utmost skirts 

Of glory, and far off his steps adore." 

To whom thus Michael with regard benign : 
" Adam, thou knowest Heaven his, and all the earth, 
Not this rock only ; his omnipresence fills 
Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives. 
Fomented by liis virtual power and warmed : 
All the earth he gave thee to possess and rule, 
No despicable gift ; surmise not then 
His presence to these narrow bounds confined 



PARADISE LOST. 261 

Of Paradise or Eden : this had been 

Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread 

All generations, and had hither come 

From all the ends of the earth, to celebrate 

And reverence thee their great progenitor. 

But this pre-eminence thou hast lost, brought down 

To dwell on even ground now with thy sons : 

Yet doubt not but in valley and in plain 

God is as here, and will be found alike 

Present, and of his presence many a sign 

Still following thee, still compassing thee round 

With goodness and paternal love, his face 

Express, and of his steps the track divine. 

Which that thou mayst believe, and be confirmed 

Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent 

To show thee what shall come in future days 

To thee and to thy offspring ; good with bad 

Expect to hear, supernal grace contending 

With sinfulness of men ; thereby to learn 

True patience, and to temper joy with fear. 

And pious sorrow, equally inured 

By moderation either state to bear, 

Prosperous or adverse : so shalt thou lead 

Safest thy life, and best prepared endure 

Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend 

This hill ; let Eve (for I have drenched her eyes) ' 

Here sleep below, while thou to foresight wakest; 

As once thou slept'st, while she to life was formed.** 

To whom thus Adam gratefully replied : 
" Ascend ; I follow thee, safe guide, the path 
Thou lead'st me, and to the hand of Heav^n submit, 
However chastening ; to the evil turn 
My obvious breast : arming to overcome 
By suffering, and earn rest from labour won. 
If so I may attain." So both ascend 
In the visions of God. It was a hill 
Of Paradise the highest, from whose top 
The hemisphere of earth in clearest ken 
Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect lay, 
Not higher that hill nor wider looking round, 



262 PARADISE LOST. 

Whereon for different cause the tempter set 

Our second Adam in the wilderness, 

To show liim all earth's kingdoms and their glory. 

His eye might there command wherever stood 

City of old or modern fame, the seat 

Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls 

Of Cambalu, seat of Cathainn Can, 

And Samarchand by Oxus, Temir's throne, 

To Paquin of Sinaean kings ; and thence 

To Agra and Lahor, of great Mogul, 

Down to the golden Chersonese ; or where 

The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since 

In Hispahan ; or where the Russian Ksar 

In Mosco, or the Sultan in Bizance, 

Turchestan-born : nor could his eye not ken 

The empire of Negus to his utmost port, 

Ercoco, and the less maritime kings, 

Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind, 

And Sofala thought Ophir, to the realm 

Of Congo, and Angola farthest south ; 

Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas Mount, 

The kingdoms of Almansor, Fez and Sus, 

Marocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen ; 

On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway 

The world : in spirit perhaps he also saw 

Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume, 

And Cusco, in Peru, the richer seat 

Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoiled 

Guiana, whose great city Geryon's sons 

Call El Dorado ; but to nobler sights 

Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed, 

Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight 

Had bred ; then cleansed with euphrasy and rue 

The visual nerve, for he had much to see ; 

And from the well of life three drops instilled 

So deep the power of these ingredients pierced, 

E'en to the inmost seat of mental sight. 

That Adam, now enforced to close his eyes, 

Sunk down, and all his spirit became. entranced; 

But him the gentle angel by the hand 



k 



PARADISE Lost. ^63 

Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled : 

"Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold 
The effects which thy original crime hath wrought 
In some to spring from thee, who never touched 
The excepted tree, nor with the snake conspired 
Nor sinned thy sin, yet from that sin derive 
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds." 

His eyes he opened, and beheld a field, 
Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves 
New reaped, the other part sheep-w^alks and folds; 
J' the midst an altar as the landmark stood, 
Rustic, of grassy sord ; thither anon 
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought 
First-fruits, the green ear, and the yellow sheaf, 
Unculled, as came to hand ; a shepherd next, 
More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock, 
Choicest and best ; then sacrificing, laid 
The inwards and their fat, with incense strewed, 
On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed : 
His offering soon propitious fire from Heaven 
Consumed with nimble glance and grateful steam; 
The other's not, for his was not sincere : 
Whereat he inly raged ; and, as they talked, 
Smote him into the midriff with a stone 
That beat out life : he fell, and, deadly pale, 
Groaned out his soul with gushing blood effused. 
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart 
Dismayed ; and thus, in haste, to the angel cried : 

" teacher ! some great mischief has befallen 
To that meek man, who well hath sacrificed ! 
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid ? " 

To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied: 
" These two are brethren, Adam, and to come 
Out of thy loins; the unjust the just hath slain, 
For envy that his brother's offering found 
From Heaven acceptance ; but the bloody fact 
Will be avenged, and the other's faith, approved, 
Lose no reward, though here thou see him die, 
Rolling in dust and gore." To which our sire: 

" Alas ! both for the deed and for the cause ! 



264 PARADISE LOST. 

But have I now seen death ? Is this the way 
I must return to native dust ? Oh, sight 
Of terror, foul and ugly to behold ! 
Horrid to think ! how horrible to feel ! " 

To whom thus Michael : " Death thou hast 
In his first shape on man ; but many shapes 
Of Death, and many are the ways that lead 
To his grim cave, all dismal ; yet to sense 
More terrible at the entrance than within. 
Some, as thou saw'st, by violent stroke shall die; 
By fire, flood, famine ; by intemperance more 
In meats and drinks, which on the earth shall bring 
Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew 
Before thee shall appear, that thou mayst know 
What misery the inabstinence of Eve 
Shall bring on men." Immediately a place 
Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome, dark ; 
A lazar-house it seemed, wherein were laid 
Numbers of all diseased, all maladies 
Of ghastly spasm, or racking torture, qualms 
Of heart-sick agony ; all feverous kinds, 
Convulsions, e])ilepsies, fierce catarrhs, 
Intestine stone and ulcer, colic pangs, 
Demoniac frenzy, moping melancholy, 
And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy, 
Marasmus, and wide-wasting jtestilence, 
Dropsies, and asthmas, and joint-racking rheunuu 
Dire was the tossing, deep the groans ; Despair 
Tended the sick busiest from couch to couch; 
And over them triumphant Death his dart 
Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked 
With vows, as their chief good, and final hope. 
Sight so deform, what heart of rock could long 
Dry eye behold ? Adam could not, but wept, 
Though not of woman born ; compassion quelled 
His best of man, and gave him up to tears 
A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess ; 
And, scarce recovering words, his plaint renewed: 

" Oh, miserable mankind ! to what fall 
Degraded I to what wretched fate reserved! 



PARADISE LOST. 265 

Better end here unborn. Why is life given 
To be thus wrested from iis ? rather why- 
Obtruded on us tlius ? who, if we knew 
What we receive, wouhl eitlier not accept 
Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down, 
Glad to be so dismissed in peace. Can thus 
The image of God, in man created once 
So goodly and erect, though faulty since 
To such unsightly sufferings be debased 
Under inhuman pains? Why should not man, 
Retaining still divine similitude 
In part, from such deformities be free, 
And for his Maker's image sake exemjit ? " 

" Their Maker's image," answered Michael, "then 
Forsook them, when themselves they vilified 
To ser^'e ungoverned appetite, and took 
His image whom they served, a brutish vice, 
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. 
Tlierefore so abject is their punishment, 
Disfiguring not God's likeness, but their own ; 
Or, if his likeness, by themselves defaced, 
While they prevert pure nature's healthful rules 
To loathsome sickness ; wortliily since they 
God's image did not reverence in themselves." 
" I yield it just," said Adam, " and submit. 
But is there yet no other way, besides 
These painful passages, how we may come 
To death, and mix with our connatural dust?" 

" There is," said Michael, " if thou well observe 
The rule of not too much, by temperance taught. 
In what thou eat'st and drink'st, seeking from thence 
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight. 
Till many years over thy head return : 
So mayst thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop 
Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease 
Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature : 
This is old age ; but then thou must outlive 
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change 
To withered, weak, and gray ; thy senses then 
Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forego 



266 PARADISE LOST. 

To what thou hast ; and for the air of youth, 
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign 
A melancholy damp of cold and dry 
To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume 
The balm of life." To whom our ancestor : 

" Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong 
Life much, bent rather how 1 may be quit, 
Fairest and easiest, of this cumbrous charge, 
Which I must keep till my appointed day 
Of rendering up, and patiently attend 
My dissolution." Micliael replied : 

" Nor love thy life, nor hate ; but what thou liv'st 
Live well ; how long or short, permit to Heaven : 
And now prepare thee for another sight." 

He looked, and saw a spacious plain, whereon 
Were tents of various hue ; by some were herds 
Of cattle grazing ; others, whence the sound 
Of instruments that made melodious chime 
Was heard, of harp and organ ; and who moved 
Their stops and chords were seen : his volant touch 
Instinct through all proportions low uid high 
Fled and pursued tranverse the resonant fugue. 
In other part stood one who at the forge 
Labouring, two massy clods of iron and brass 
Had melted (whether found where casual fire 
Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale, 
Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot 
To some cave's mouth, or wliether washed by stream 
From under ground) ; the liquid ore he drained 
Into fit moulds prepared ; from which he formed, 
E'irst, his own tools; then, what might else be wrought 
Fusil or graven in metal. After these, 
But on the hither side, a different sort 
From the high neighbouring hills, which was their seat, 
Down to the plain descended : by their guise, 
Just men they seemed, and all their study bent 
To worship God aright, and know his works 
Not hid, nor those things last which might preserve 
Freedom and pence to men : they on the plain 
Long had not walked, when from the tents, behold! 



PARADISE LOST. 26? 

A bevy of fair women, richly gay 

In gems and wanton dress ; to the harp they sung 

Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on : 

The men, though m-ave, eyed them, and let their eyes 

Rove without rein, till, in the amorous net, • 

Fast caught, they liked, and each his liking chose; 

And now of love they treat, till the evening star, 

Love's harbinger appeared ; then all in heat 

They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke 

Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked : 

With feast and music all the tents resound. 

Such happy interview and fair event 

Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers, 

And charming symphonies, attached the heart 

Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight. 

The bent of nature ; which he thus expressed : 

"True opener of mine eyes ! prime angel blest I 
Much better seems this vision, and more hope 
Of peaceful days portends, than those two past: 
Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse; 
Here nature seems fulfilled in all her ends." 

To whom thus Michael : " Judge not what is best 
By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet 
Created as thou art to nobler end, 
Holy and pure, conformity divine. 
Those tents thou saw'st so pleasant, were the tents 
Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race 
Who slew his brother ; studious they appear 
Of arts that polish life, inventors rare. 
Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spirit 
Taught them ; but they his gifts acknowledged nontia 
Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget ; 
For that fair female troop thou saw'st, that seemed 
Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay, 
Yet empty of all good, wherein consists 
Woman's domestic honour and chief praise, 
Bred only and completed to the taste 
Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance,. 
To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye; 
To these that sober race of men, whose lives 



268 PARADISE LOST. 

Religious titled them the sons of God, 

Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame, 

Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles 

Of these fair atheists ; and now swim ^i joy, 

Ere long to swim at large ; and laugh, for which 

The world, ere long, a world of tears must weep," 

To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft : 
" Oh, pity and shame, that they, who to live well 
Entered so fair, should turn aside to tread 
Paths indirect, or in the midway faint! 
But still I see the tenor of man's woe 
Holds on the same, from woman to begin." 

Frojn man's effeminate slackness it begins," 
Said the angel, "who should better hold Lis place 
By wisdom, and superior gifts received. 
But now prepare thee for another scene." 

He looked, and saw wide territory spread 
Before him ; towns, and rural works between; 
Cities of men with lofty gates and towers, 
Concourse in arms, fierce faces threatening war, 
Giants of mighty bone, and bold emprise ; 
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed. 
Single, or in array of battle ranged. 
Both horse and foot ; nor idly mustering stood : 
One way a band select from forage drives 
A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine. 
From a fat meadow-ground ; or fleecy flock. 
Ewes and their bleating lambs, over the plain, 
Their booty ; scarce with life the shepherds fly, 
But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray : 
With cruel tournament the squadrons join ; 
Where cattle pastured late, now scattered lies 
With carcasses and arms the ensanguined field. 
Deserted. Others to a city strong 
Lay siege, encamped, by battery, scale, and mine. 
Assaulting : others from the wall defend. 
With dart and javelin, stones, and sulphurous fire: 
On each hand slaughter, and gigantic deeds. 
In other part the sceptred heralds call 
To council, in the cit}' gates : anon 



PARADISE LOST. 269 

Gray-headed men and grave, witn vvarriors mixed, 
Assemble, and harangues are heard ; but soon, 
In factious opposition ; till at last 
Of middle age one rising, eminent 
In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong, 
Of justice, of religion, truth, and peace. 
And judgment from above : him old and young 
Exploded, and had seized with violent hands, 
Had not a cloud descending snatched him thenoe, 
Unseen amid the throng : so violence 
Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law, 
Through all the plain ; and refuge none was found, 

Adam was all in tears, and to his guide 
Lamenting turned full sad : " Oh, what are these ? 
Death's ministers, not men ! who thus deal death 
Inhumanly to men, and multiply 
Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slew 
His brother ; for of whom such massacre 
Make they, but of their brethren, men of men ? 
But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven 
Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost ? " 

To whom thus Michael : " These are the product 
Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw'st ; 
Where good with bad were matched, who of themselyed 
Abhor to^ join ; and by imprudence mixed, 
Produce prodigious births of body or mind. 
Such were these giants, men of high renown ; 
For in those days might only shall be admired, 
And valour and heroic virtue called : 
To overcome in battle, and subdue 
Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite 
Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch 
Of human glory ; and for glory done 
Of triumph, to be styled great conquerors, 
Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods ; 
Destroyers rightlier called, and plagues of men ! 
Thus fame shall be achieved, renown on earth; 
And what most merits fame in silence hid. 
But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheld'st 
The only righteous in a world pervei^se. 



270 PARADISE LOST. 

And therefore hated, therefore so beset 

With foes, for daring single to be just, 

And utter odious truth that God would come 

To judge them with his saints ; him the Most High, 

Rapt in a balmy cloud with winged steeds. 

Did, as thou saw'st, receive, to walk with God 

High in salvation and the climes of bliss. 

Exempt from death, to show thee what reward 

Awaits the good, the rest what punishment ; 

Which now direct thine eyes, and soon behold." 

He looked, and saw the face of things quite changed 
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar : 
All now was turned to jollity and game, 
To luxury and riot, feast and dance, 
Marrying or prostituting, as befell. 
Rape or adultery, where passing fair 
Allured them ; thence from cups to civil broils. 
At length a reverend sire among them came, 
And of their doings great dislike declared, 
And testified against their ways : he oft 
Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, 
Triumphs, or festivals ; and to them preached 
Conversion and repentance, as to souls 
In prison, under judgments imminent ; 
But all in vain ! Which when he saw, he ceased 
Contending, and removed his tents far off : 
Then, from the mountain hewing timber tall. 
Began to build a vessel of huge bulk. 
Measured by cubit, length, and breadth, and height ; 
Smeared round with pitch ; and in the side a door 
Contrived ; and of provisions laid in large, 
For man and beast : when lo ! a wonder strange I 
Of every beast, and bird, and insect small. 
Came sevens, and pairs ; and entered in, as taught 
Their order : last the sire, and his three sons 
With their four wives : and God made fast the door. 
Meanwhile the south-wind rose, and, with black wings 
Wide hovering, all the clouds together drove 
From under Heaven : the hills, to their supply, 
Vapour and exhalati£>n, dusk niul moist, 



PAKADISE LOST. 271 

Sent up amain. And now the thickened sky 
Like a dark ceiling stood : down riislied the rain 
Impetuous ; and continued, till the earth 
No more was seen : the floating vessel swum 
Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow 
Rode tilting o'er the waves : all dwellings else 
Flood overwhelmed, and them with all their pomp 
Deep under water rolled : sea covered sea, 
Sea without shore : and in their palaces, 
Where luxury late reigned, sea-monsters whelped 
And stabled : of mankind (so numerous late) 
All left, in one small bottom swum embarked. 

How didst thou grieve then, Adam ! to behold 
The end of all thy offspring ; end so sad, 
Depopulation I Thee another flood. 
Of tears and sorrow a flood, thee also drowned, 
And sunk thee as thy sons ; till, gently reared 
By the angel, on thy feet thou stood'st at last, 
Though comfortless ; as when a fathei- mourns 
His children, all in view destroyed at once ; 
And scarce to the angel uttered'st thus thy plaint: 

" Oh, visions ill foreseen ! Better had I 
Lived ignorant of future ! so had borne 
My part of evil only ; each day's lot 
Enough to bear : those now, that were dispensed 
The burden of many ages, on me light 
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth 
Abortive, to torment me, ere their being. 
With thought that they must be. /Let no man seek 
Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall 
Him or his children ; evil he may be sure, \ 
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent ; J 
And he the future evil shall, no less 
In apprehension than in substance, feel, 
Grievous to bear. But that care now is past ; 
Man is not whom to warn : those few escaped 
Famine and anguish will at last consume 
Wandering that watery desert : I had hope 
When violence was ceased, and war on earth. 
All would have then gone well, peace would have crowned 



272 PARADISE LOST. 

With length of happy days the race of man ; 
But I was far deceived; for now I see 
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste. 
How comes it thus ? unfold, celestial guide, 
And whether here the race of man will end." 

To whom thus Michael : " Those whom last thou saw'st 
In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they 
First seen in acts of prowess eminent 
And great exploits, but of true virtue void ; 
Wlio having spilt much blood, and done much waste, 
Subduing nations, and achieved thereby 
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey, 
Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth. 
Surfeit and lust, till wantonness and pride 
Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace. 
The conquered also, and enslaved by war, 
Shall with their freedom lo^t all virtue lose 
And fear of God, from whom their piety feigned 
In sharp contest of battle found no aid 
Against invaders ; therefore cooled in zeal, 
Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure, 
Worldly or dissolute, on what their lords 
Shall leave them to enjoy ; for the earth shall bear 
More than enough, that temperance may be tried : 
So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved ; 
Justice and temperance, truth and faith, forgot ; 
One man except, the only son of light 
In a dark age, against example good, 
Against allurement, custom, and a world 
Offended ; fearless of reproach and scorn, 
Or violence, he of their wicked ways 
Shall them admonish, and before them set 
The paths of righteousness, how much more safe, 
And full of peace denouncing wrath to come 
On their impenitence ; and shall return 
Of them derided, but of God observed. 
The one just man alive ; by his command 
Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheld'st. 
To save himself and household from amidst 
A world devote to universal wreck. 



PARADISE LOST. 27S 

No sooner he with them of man and beast 

Select for life shall in the ark be lodged, 

And sheltered round, but all the cataracts 

Of Heaven set open on the earth shall pour 

Rain day and night ; all fountains of the deep 

Broke up, shall heave the ocean to usurp 

Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise 

Above the highest hills : then shall this mount 

Of Paradise by might of waves be moved 

Out of his place, pushed by the horned ilood, 

With all his verdure S])oiled, and trees adrift, 

Down the great river to the opening gulf, 

And there take root an island salt and bare, 

The haunt of seals, and ores, and sea-mews' clang: 

To teach thee that God attributes to place 

No sanctity, if none be thither brought 

By men who there frequent, or therein dwell. 

And now what further shall ensue, behold." 

He looked, and saw the ark hull on the flood, 
Which now abated ; for the clouds were fled, 
Driven by a keen north-wind, that blowing dry, 
Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decayed ; 
And the clear sun on his wide watery glass 
Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew. 
As after thirst, which made their flowing shrink 
From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole 
With soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopped 
His sluices, as the Heaven his windows shut. 
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground. 
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed. 
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear ; 
With clamour thence the rapid currents drive 
Towards the retreating sea their furious tide. 
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies, 
And, after him, the surer messenger, 
A dove sent forth once and again to spy 
Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light I 
The second time returning, in his bill 
x\n oli\'e-leaf he brings, pacific sign : 
Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark 

18 



274 PARADISE LOST. 

The ancient sire descends with all his train ; 
Then with uplifted hands, and eyes devout, • 
Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds 
2\ dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow 
Conspicuous with three listed colours gay, 
Betokening peace from God, and covenant new. 
Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad. 
Greatly rejoiced, and thus his joy broke forth: 

" O thou who future things canst represent 
As present ! heavenly instructor ! I revive 
At this last sight, assured that man shall live 
With all the creatures, and their seed preserve. 
Far less I now lament for one whole world 
Of wicked sons destroyed, than I rejoice 
For one man found so perfect and so just, 
That God vouchsafes to raise another world 
From him, and all his anger to forget. 
But say, what mean those coloured streaks in Heaven 
Distended, as the brow of God appeased ? 
Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind 
The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud, 
Lest it again dissolve and shower the earth?" 

To whom the archangel: "Dexterously thou aim'gt; 
So willingly doth God remit his ire, 
Though late repenting him of man depraved, 
Grieved at his heart when looking down he saw 
The whole earth filled with violence, and all flesh 
Corrupting each their way ; yet, those removed, 
Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, 
That he relents, not to blot out mankind, 
And makes a covenant never to destroy 
The earth again by flood, nor let the sea 
Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world 
With man therein or beast ; but when he brings 
Over the earth a cloud, will therein set 
His triple-coloured bow, whereon to look. 
And call to mind his covenant : day and night, 
Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost. 
Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new, 
Both Heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwell," 



PAEADISE LOST. 275 



BOOK XII. 

THE ABGUMEN^T. 

The angel Michael continaes from the flood to relate what shall succeed ; 
then, in the mention of Abniham, comes by degrees to explain who that 
seed of the woman shall be, which was promised Adam and Eve in the 
fall ; his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension ; tlie state of 
tlie church till his second coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recora- 
forted by these relations and promises, descends the hill with Michael ; 
wakens Eve, who all tliis wliile had slept, but with gentle dreams com- 
posed to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand 
leads them out of Paradise, the fiery sword waving behind them, and 
the cherubim taking their stations to guard the place. 

As one who in his journey bates at noon, 

Though bent on speed, so here the archangel paused 

Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored, 

If Adam aught ])erhaps might interpose ; 

Then with transition sweet new speech lesumea; 

"Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end J 
And man as from a second stock proceed. 
Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceive 
Thy mortal sight to fail ; objects divine 
Must needs impair and weary human sense : 
Henceforth what is to come I will relate, 
Thou, therefore, give due audience, and attend. 
This second source of men, while yet but few, 
And while the dread of judgment past remains 
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, 
With some regard to what is just and right 
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, 
Labouring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop, 
Corn, wine, and oil; and from the herd or fiock, 
Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, 
With large wine-offerings poured, and sacred feast, 
Shall spend their days in joy un blamed, and dwell 



276 PARADISE LOST. 

Long time in peace by families and tribes 

Under paternal rule : till one shall rise 

Of proud ambitious heart, who, not content 

With fair equality, fraternal state, 

Will arrogate dominion mideserved 

Over his brethren, and quite dispossess 

Concord and law of nature from the earth, 

Hunting (and men, not beasts, shall be his game) 

With war and liostile snare such as refuse 

Subjection to his empire tyrannous : 

A mighty hunter thence he shall be styled 

Bfifore the Lord, as in despite of Heaven, 

Or from Heaven claiming second sovranty; 

And from rebellion shall derive his name, 

Thougli of rebellion others he accuse. 

He with a crew, whom like ambition joins 

With him or under him to tyrannize. 

Marching from Eden towards the west, shall find 

The plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge 

Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell : 

Of brick, and of that stuff, they cast to build 

A city and tower, whose top may reach to Heaven; 

And get themselves a name, lest, far dispersed 

In foreign lands, their memory be lost. 

Regardless whether good or evil fame. 

But God, who oft descends to visit men 

Unseen, and through their habitations walks 

To mark their doings, them beliolding soon, 

Comes down to see their city, ere the tower 

Obstruct Heaven-towers, and in derision sets • 

Upon their tongues a various spirit to rase 

Quite out their native language, and instead 

To sow a jangling noise of words unknown : 

Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud 

Among the builders ; each to other calls 

Not understood, till hoarse, and all in rage, 

As mocked they storm ; great laughter was in Heaven, 

And looking down, to see the hubbub strange, 

And hear the din ; thus was the building left 

Kidiculous, and the work Confusion named," 



PARADISE LOST. 277 

Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased: 
" O execrable son ! so to aspire 
Above his brethren, to himself assuming 
Authority usurped, from God not given ; 
He gave us only over Jbeast, fish, fowl, 
Dominion absolute ; that right we hold 
By his donation ; but man over men 
He made not lord ; such title to himseK 
Reserving, human left from human free. 
But this usurper his encroachment proud 
Stays not on man ; to God his tower intends 
Siege and defiance. Wretched man ! what food 
Will he couA^ey up thither to sustain 
Himself and his rash army, where thin air 
Above the clouds, will pine his entrails gross, 
And famish him of breath, if not of bread ?" 

To whom thus Michael : "Justly thou abhorr*rt 
That son, who on the quiet state of men 
Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue 
Rational liberty ; yet know withal. 
Since thy original lapse, true liberty 
Is lost, which always with right reason dwells 
Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being : 
Reason in man obscured, or not obeyed, 
Immediately inordinate desires 
And upstart passions catch the government 
From reason, and to servitude reduce 
Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits 
Within himself unworthy powers to reign 
Over free reason, God, in judgment just. 
Subjects him from without to violent lords, 
Who oft as undeservedly enthral 
His outward freedom : tyranny must be, 
Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse. 
Yet sometimes nations will decline so low 
From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong, 
But justice, and some fatal curse annexed, 
Deprives them of their outward liberty, 
Their inward lost : witness the irreverent son 
Of him who built the ark, who for the shame 



278 PAEADTSE LOST. 

Done to his father, heard this heavy curse, 

* Servant of servants,' on his vicious race. 

Thus will this latter, as the former world, 

Still tend from bad- to worse, till God at last, 

Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw 

His presence from among them, and avert 

His holy eyes ; resolving from thenceforth 

To leave them to their own polluted ways ; 

And one peculiar nation to select 

From all the rest, of whom to be invoked, 

A nation from one faithful man to spring. 

Him, on this side Euphrates yet residing, 

Bred up in idol worship (Oh, that men — 

Canst thou believe ? — should be so stupid grown, 

While yet the patriarch lived who 'scaped the flood, 

As to forsake the living God, and fall 

To worship their own work in wood and stone 

For gods!), yet him God the Most High vouchsafes 

To call by vision, from his father's house, 

His kindred, and false gods, into a land 

Which He will show him, and from him will raise 

A mighty nation ; and upon him shower 

His benediction so, that in his seed 

All nations shall be blest : he straight obeys. 

Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. 

I see him (but thon canst not), with what faith 

He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil, 

Ur of Chaldaea, passing now the ford 

To Haran ; after him a cumbrous train 

Of herds, and flocks, and numerous servitude ; 

Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth 

With God, who called him in a land unknown. 

Canaan he now attains : I see his tents 

Pitched about Sichem, and the neighbouring plain 

Of Moreh ; there, by promise, he recieves 

Gift to his progeny of all that land. 

From Hamath northward to the desert south 

(Things by their names I call, though yet unnamed) 

From Hermon east to the great western sea ; 

Mount Hermon, yonder sea ; each place behold 



PARADISE LOST. ' 279 

In prospect, as I point them ; on the shore 

JVlwiint Carm<?l ; here the double-founted stream, 

Jordan, true limit eastward : but his sons 

ShaK dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills. 

This ponder, that all nations of the earth 

Shall in his seed be blessed : by that seed 

Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise 

The serpent's head ; whereof to thee anon 

Plain iier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest, 

Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call, 

A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves ; 

Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown. 

The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs 

From Canaan, to a land hereafter called 

Egypt, divided by the river Nile : 

See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths 

Into the sea. To sojourn in that land 

He comes, invited by a younger son 

In time of dearth ; a son, whose worthy deeds 

Raise him to be the second in that realm 

Of Pharaoh : there he dies, and leaves his race 

Growing into a nation ; and, now grown, 

Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks 

To stop their overgrowth, as inmate guests 

Too numerous ; whence of guests he makes them slavei 

Inhospitably ; and kills their infant males : 

Till by two brethren (these two brethren call 

Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim 

His people from enthralment, they return 

With glory, and spoil, back to their promised land. 

But first the lawless tyrant, who denies 

To know their God, or message to regard. 

Must be compelled by signs, and judgments dire; 

To blood unshed the rivers must be turned ; 

Frogs, lice, and flies, must all his palace fill 

With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land ; 

His cattle must of rot and murrain die ; 

Botches and blains must all his flesh emboss, 

And all his people ; thunder mixed with hail. 

Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky, 



280 PARADISE LOST. 

And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls 

What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or graui, 

A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down 

Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green ; 

Darkness must overshadow all his bounds, 

Palpable darkness, and blot out three days : 

Last, with one midnight-stroke, all the first-bom 

Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wound* 

The river-dragon tamed at length submits 

To let his sojourners depart, and oft 

Humbles his stubborn heart, but still, as ice 

More hardened after thaw ; till in his rage 

Pursuing whom he late dismissed, the sea 

Swallows him with his host, but them lets pass, 

As on dry land, between two crystal walls, 

Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand 

Divided, till his rescued gain their shore : 

Such wondrous power God to his saint will lend, 

Though present in his angel, who shall go 

Before them in a cloud, and pillar of fire 

(By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire), 

To guide them in their journey, and remove 

Behind them, while the obdurate king pursues. 

All night he will pursue ; but his approach 

Darkness defends between, till morning watch ; 

Then through the fiery pillar, and the cloud, 

God looking forth will trouble all his host, 

And craze their chariot-wheels : when, by command, 

Moses once more his potent rod extends 

Over the sea ; the sea his rod obeys ; 

On their embattled ranks the waves return. 

And overwhelm their war. The race elect, 

Safe towards Canaan, from the shore advance 

Through the wild desert ; not the readiest way, 

Lest, entering on the Canaanite alarmed, 

War terrify them inexpert, and fear 

Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather 

Inglorious life with servitude ; for life 

To noble and ignoble is more sweet 

Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on. 



PARADISE LOST. 281 

Tliis also shall they gain by their delay 

In the wide wilderness : there they shall found 

Their government, and tlieir great senate choose 

Through the twelve tribes, to rule by laws ordained. 

God from the mount of Sinai (whose gray top 

Shall tremble, he descending) will himself 

In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpets' sound, 

Ordain them laws ; part, such as appertain 

To civil justice, part, religious rites 

Of sacrifice ; informing them, by types 

And shadows, of that destined Seed to bruise 

The serpent, by what means he shall achieve 

Mankind's deliverance : but the voice of God 

To mortal ear is di'eadful ; they beseech 

That Moses might report to them his will, 

And terror cease : he grants what they besought, 

Instructed that to God is no access 

Without Mediator, whose high office now 

Moses in figure bears, to introduce 

One greater, of whose day he shall foretell ; 

And all the prophets in their age the times 

Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus laws and ritei 

Established, such delight hath God in men 

Obedient to his will, that he vouchsafes 

Among them to set ujj his tabernacle. 

The Holy One with mortal men to dwell. 

By his prescript a sanctuary is framed 

Of cedar, overlaid with gold ; therein 

An ark, and in the ark his testimony, 

The records of his covenant ; over these 

A mercy-seat of gold, between the wings 

Of two bright cherubim ; before him burn 

Seven lamps, as in a zodiac representing 

The heavenly fires ; over the tent a cloud 

Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night, 

Save when they journey : and at length they come, 

Conducted by his angel, to the land 

Promised to Abraham and his seed. The rest 

Were long to tell ; how many battles fought ; 

How many kings destroyed, and kingdoms won; 



282 PARADISE LOST. 

Or how the sun shall in mid-heaven stand still 
A day entire, and night's due course adjourn, 
Man's voice commanding, ' Sun, in Gibeon stand, 
And thou, moon, in the vale of Ajalon, 
Till Israel overcome ! ' so called the third 
From Abraham, son of Isaac ; and from him 
His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win." 

Here Adam interposed : "O sent from Heaven, 
Enlight'ner of my darkHCSs ! gracious things 
Thou hast revealed ; those chiefly, which concern 
Just Abraham and his seed : now first I find 
Mine eyes true opening, and ray heart much eased, 
Erewhile perplexed with thoughts what would become 
Of me and all mankind ; but now I see 
His day, in whom all nations shall be blest, 
Favour unmerited by me, who sought 
Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. 
This yet I apprehend not, why to those 
Among whom God will deign to dwell on earth 
So many and so various laws are given ; 
So many laws argue so many sins 
Among them; how can God with such reside?" 

To whom thus Michael : " Doubt not but that sin 
Will reign among them, as of thee begot ; 
And therefore was law given them to evince 
Their natural pravity, by stirring up 
Sin against law to fight : that when they see 
Law can discover sin, but not remove. 
Save by those shadowy expiations weak, 
The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude 
Some blood more precious must be paid for man^ 
Just for unjust, that in such righteousness, 
To them by faith imputed, they may find 
Justification towards God, and peace 
Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies 
Cannot appease, nor man the moral part 
Perform ; and, not performing, cannot live. 
So law appears imperfect, andl)ut given 
With purpose to resign thera in full time 
Up to a better covenant ; disciplined 



PARADISE LOST. 283 

From shadowy types to truth ; from flesh to spirit ; 

Prom imposition of strict laws to free 

Ac-ceptance of large grace ; from servile fear 

To filial ; works of law to works of faith. 

And therefore shall not Moses, tliough of God 

Highly beloved, being but the minister 

Of law, his people into Canaan lead ; 

But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, 

His name and office bearing, who shall quell 

The adversary serpent, and bring back . 

Through the world's wilderness long-wandered mab 

Safe to eternal Paradise of rest. 

Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed, 

Long time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins 

National interrupt their public peace, 

Provoking God to raise them enemies ; 

From whom as oft he saves them penitent, 

By judges first, then under kings; of whom 

The second, both for piety renowned 

And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive 

Irrevocable, th^t his regal throne 

For ever shall endure ; the like shall sing 

All prophecy, that of the royal stock 

Of David (so I name this king) shall rise 

A son, the w^oman's seed to thee foretold, 

Foretold to Abraham, as in whom shall trust 

All nations ; and to kings foretold, of kings 

The last ; for of his reign shall be no end. 

But first, a long succession must ensue. 

And his next son, for wealth and wisdom famed. 

The clouded ark of God, till then in tents 

Wandering, shall in a glorious temple enshrine. 

Such follow him as shall be registered, 

Part good, part bad, of bad the longer scroll, 

Whose foul idolatries, and other faults 

Heaped to the popular sum, will so incense 

God, as to leave them, and expose their land, 

Their city, his temple, and his holy ark. 

With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey 

To ^hat proud city, whose high walls thou saw'st 



284 PAKADISE LOST. 

Left in confusion, Babylon thence called. 

Tliere in captivity he lets them dwell 

Tlie space of seventy years, then brings them back, 

Remembering mercy, and his covenant sworn 

To David, 'stablished as the days of Heaven. 

Returned from Babylon by leave of kings. 

Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of God 

They first re-edify, and for a while 

In mean estate live moderate ; till, grown 

In wealth and multitude, factious they grow ; 

But first among the priests dissension springs ; 

Men who attend the altar, and should most 

Endeavour peace : their strife pollution brings 

Upon the temple itself : at last they seize 

The sceptre, and regard not David's sons, 

Then lose it to a stranger, that the true 

Anointed King, Messiah, might be born 

Barred of his right ; yet at his birth a star, 

Unseen before in Heaven, proclaims him come, 

And guides the eastern sages, who inquire 

His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold : 

His place of birth a solemn angel tells 

To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night ; 

They ghadly thither haste, and by a quire 

Of squadroned angels hear his carol sung. 

A virgin is his mother, but his sire 

The power of the Most High ; he shall ascend 

The throne hereditary, and bound his reign 

With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the Heavens," 

He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy 
Surcharged, as had like grief been dewed in tears, 
Without the vent of words, which these he breathed : 

" O prophet of glad tidings ! finisher 
Of utmost ho})e ! now clear I understand 
What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in vain ; 
Why our great expectation should be called 
' The seed of woman.' Virgin mother, hail ! 
High in the love of Heaven ! yet from my loins 
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son 
Of God Most High ; so God with man unites. 



rAKADISE LOST. 286 

Needs must the serpent now his capital bruise 
Expect with mortal pain : say where and when 
Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the victor's heel." 
To whom thus Michael : " Dream not of their fight 
As of a duel, or the local wounds 
Of head or heel : not therefore joins the Son 
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil 
Thy enemy ; nor so is overcome 
Satan, whose fall from Pleaven, a deadlier bruise, 
Disabled not to give thee thy death's wound : 
Which he, who comes thy Saviour, shall re-cure, 
Not by destroying Satan, but his works 
In thee and in thy seed : nor can this be, 
But by fulfilling that wliich thou didst want, 
Obedience to the law of God, imposed 
On penalty of death, and suffering death, 
The penalty to thy transgression due, 
And due to theirs which out of thine will grow: 
So only can high justice rest appaid. 
The law of God exact he shall fulfil 
Both by obedience and by love, though love 
Alone fulfil the law ; thy punishment 
He shall endure by coming in the flesh 
To a reproachful life and cursed death, 
Proclaiming life to all who shall believe 
In his redemption, and that his obedience 
Imputed becomes theirs by faith, his merits 
To save them, not their own, though legal, works. 
For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed, 
Seized on by force, judged, and to death condemned 
, A shameful and accursed ; nailed to the cross 
By his own nation ; slain for bringing life : 
But to the cross he nails thy enemies, 
The law that is against thee, and the sins 
Of all mankind, with him there crucified. 
Never to hurt them more who rightly trust 
In this his satisfaction : so he dies. 
But soon revives ; death over him no power 
Shall long usurp ; ere the third dawning light 
Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise 



286 PARADISE LOST. 

Out of his grave, fresh as the dawninc^ ^ight, 

Thy ransom ])aid, which man from death redeems, 

His death for man, as many as offered life 

N'eglfcct not, and the benefit embrace 

By faith not void of works : this God-like act 

Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have died 

In sin for ever lost from life ; this act 

Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength, 

Defeating sin and death, his two main arms, 

And fix far deeper in his head their stings 

Than temporal death shall bruise the victor's heel. 

Or theirs whom he redeems, a death like sleep, 

A gentle wafting to immortal life. 

Nor after resurrection shall he stay 

Longer on earth than certain times to appear 

To his disciples, men who in his life 

Still followed him ; to them shall leave in charge 

To teach all nations what of him they learned 

And his salvation, them who shall believe, 

Baptizing in the profluent stream, the sign 

Of washing them from guilt of sin to life 

Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall, 

For death, like that which the Redeemer died. 

All nations they shall teach ; for, from that day, 

Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins 

Salvation shall be preached, but to the sons 

Of Abraham's faith wherever through the world; 

So in his seed all nations shall be blest. 

Then to the Heaven of Heavens he shall ascend 

With victory, triumphing through the air 

Over his foes and thine ; there shall surprise 

The serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains 

Tlirough all his realm, and there confounded leave ; 

Then enter into glory, and resume 

His seat at God's right hand, exalted high 

Above all names in Heaven ; and thence shall come. 

When this world's dissolution shall be ripe, 

With glory and power to judge both quick and dead , 

To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward 

His faithful, and receive them into bliss, 



PARADISE LOST. 287 

Whether in Heaven or earth ; for then the earth 
Shall all be Paradise, far happier place 
Than this of Eden, and far happier days." 

So spake the archangel Michael ; then paused. 
As at the world's great period ; and our sire, 
Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied : 

" Oh, goodness infinite ! goodness immense I 
That all this good of evil shall produce, 
And evil turn to good ; more wonderful 
Than that which by creation first brought forth 
Light out of dai'kness ; full of doubt I stand, 
Whether I should repent rae now of sin 
By rae done and occasioned, or rejoice 
Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring; 
To God more glory, more good-will to men 
From God, and over wrath grace shall abound- 
But say, if our Deliverer up to Heaven 
Must reascend, what will betide the few 
His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd, 
The enemies of truth ? Who then shall guide 
His people ? who defend ? Will they not deal 
Worse with his followers than with him they dealt?" 

" Be sure they will," said the angel ; " but from Heaven 
He to his own a Comforter will send, 
The ])romise of the Father, who shall dwell 
His Spirit within them, and the law of faith 
Working through love, upon their hearts shall write, 
To guide them in all truth, and also arm 
With spiritual armour, able to resist 
Satan's assaults, and quench his fiery darts : 
What man can do against them, not afraid, 
Though to the death; against such cruelties 
With inward consolations recompensed. 
And oft supported so as shall amaze 
Their proudest persecutors ; for the Spirit, 
Poured first on his apostles, whom he sends 
To evangelize the nations, then on all 
Baptized, shall them with wondrous gifts endut 
To speak all tongues, and do all miracles. 
As did their Lord before them. Thus they win 



288 PARADISE LOST. 

Great numbers of each nation to receive 
With joy the tidings brought from Heaven : at length 
Their ministry performed, and race well run, 
Their doctrine and their story written left, 
They die ; but in their room, as they forewarn, 
Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves, 
Who all the sacred mysteries of Heaven 
To their own vile advantages shall turn 
Of lucre and ambition, and the truth 
With superstitions and traditions tamt 
Left only in those written records pure, 
Though not but by the Spirit understood. 
Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names. 
Places, and titles, and with these to join 
Secular power, though feigning still to act 
By spiritual, to themselves appropriating 
The Spirit of God, promised alike and given 
To all believers ; and from that pretence, 
Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force 
On every conscience ; laws which none shall find 
Left them enrolled, or what the Spirit within 
Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then 
But force the Spirit of grace itself, and bind 
His consort liberty ? what, but unbuild 
His living temples, built by faith to stand, 
Their own faith, not another's ? for on earth 
Who against faith and conscience can be heard 
Infallible ? yet many will presume : 
Whence heavy persecution shall arise 
On all who in the worship persevere 
Of spirit and truth ; the rest, far greater part, 
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms 
Religion satisfied ; truth shall retire 
Bestruck with slanderous darts, and works of faith 
Rarely be found : so shall the world go on. 
To good malignant, to bad men benign. 
Under her own weight groaning, till the day- 
Appear of respiration to the just, 
And vengeance to the wicked, at return 
Of him so lately promised to thy aid, 



PARADISE LOST. 28f 

The woman's Seed, obscurely then foretold, 
Now amplier known thy Saviour and thy Lord, 
Last in the clouds from Heaven to be revealed 
In glory of the Father, to dissolve 
Satan with his perverted world, then raise 
From the conflagrant mass, purged and refined, 
New heavens, new earth, ages of endless date 
Founded in righteousness and peace and love, 
To bring forth fruits, joy, and eternal bliss." 

He ended ; and tlius Adam last replied : 
" How soon hath thy prediction, seer blest, 
Measured this transient world, the race of time, 
Till time stand fixed ! Beyond is all abyss, 
Eternity, whose end no eye can reach. 
Greatly instructed, I shall hence depart, 
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill 
Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain ; 
Beyond which was my folly to aspire. 

/'Henceforth I learn that to obey is best, 

^And love with fear the only God, to walk 

As in his presence, ever to observe 
, His providence, and on him sole depend, 
Merciful over all his works, with good 
Still overcoming evil, and by small 
Accomplishing great things ; by things deemed weak 
Subverting worldly strong; and worldly wise 
By simply meek : that suffering for truth's sake 
Is fortitude to highest victory, 
And to the faithful death the gate of life : 
Taught this by his example, whom I no\^ 
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest." J 

To whom thus also the angel last replied : 
" This having learned, thou hast attained the sum 
Of wisdom : hope no higher, though all the stars 
Thou knew'st by name, and all the ethereal powers, 
All secrets of the deep, all nature's w^orks. 
Or works of God in Heaven, air, earth, or sea. 
And all the riches of this world enjoyedst, 
And all the rule, one empire ; only add 
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable ; add faith, 

10 



k 



290 PARADISE LOSI. 

Add virtue, patience, temperance ; add love, 

By name to come called charity, the soul 

Of all the rest : then wilt thou not be loth 

To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess 

A Pai-adise within thee, happier far. ) 

Let us descend now, therefore, frorar^his top 

Of speculation ; for the hour precise 

Exacts our parting hence ; and see, the guards, 

By me encamped on yonder hill, expect 

Their motion, at whose front a flaming sword, 

In signal of remove, waves fiercely round ; 

We may no longer stay : go, waken Eve ; 

Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed 

Portending good, and all her spirits composed 

To meek submission : thou at season fit 

Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard. 

Chiefly what may concern her faith to know, 

The great deliverance by her seed to come 

(For by the woman's seed) on all mankind : 

That ye may live, which will be many days, 

Both in one faith unanimous, though sad, 

With cause, for evils past, yet much more cheered 

With meditation on the happy end." 

He ended, and they both descend the hill ; 
Descended, Adam to the bower where Eve 
Lay sleeping ran before, but found her waked ; 
And thus with words not sad she him received : 

" Whence thou return'st, and whither went'st, I know j 
For God is also in sleep ; and dreams advise, 
Which he hath sent propitious, some great good 
Presaging, since, with sorrow and heart's distress. 
Wearied I fell asleep : but now lead on ; 
In me is no delay ; with thee to go. 
Is to stay here ; without thee here to stay, 
Is to ro hence unwilling ; thou to me 
Art all things under Heaven, all places thou, 
Who for my Avilful crime art banished hence. 
This further consolation, yet secure, 
I carry hence ; though all by me is lost, 
Such favour I unwo]-thy am vouchsafed, 



PAKADISE LOST. 291 

By me the promised Seed shall all restore ! " 

So spake our mother Eve, and Adam heard, 
Well pleased, but answered not ; for now too nigh 
The archangel stood, and from the other hill 
To their fixed station, all in bright array. 
The cherubim descended; on the ground, 
Gliding meteorous, as evening mist, 
liisen from a river, o'er the marish glides. 
And gathers ground fast at the labourer's heel, 
Homeward returning. High in front advanced, 
The brandished sword of God before them blazed, 
Fierce as a comet, which with torrid heat, 
And vapour as the Lybian air adust, 
Began to parch that tempei-ate clime ; whereat, 
In either hand the hastening angel caught 
Our lingering parents, and to the eastern gate 
Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast 
To the subjected ])lain; then disappeared. 
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld 
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat. 
Waved over by that flaming brand ; the gate, 
With dreadful faces thronged, and fierv arms : 
Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; 
1 he world was all before them, where to choose 
Then- place of rest, and Providence their guide ; 
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, 
Through Eden took th^ir solitary way. 



PARADISE REGAINED. 



BOOK I. 



AUGUIVIENT. 



The pubject proposed. Invocation of the Holy Spirit. John baptizing at 
the river Jordan. Jesus coming there, is baptized; and is attested by 
the descent of the Holj- Ghost, and by a voice from heaven, to be the Son 
of God. Satan, wlio is present, flies up into the regions of the air ; 
where, summoning liis infernal council, he acquaints them Avith his appre- 
hensions that Jesus is that seed of the woman destined to destroy all their 
power, and points out to them the necessity of bringing the matter to proof, 
and of attempting to counteract and defeat the person from whom they have 
so much to dread. This office he undertakes, and sets out on his enter- 
prise. In the meantime, God, in the assembly of holy angels, declares 
that he has given up his Son to be tempted by Satan; but foretells that 
the tempter shall be completely defe;ited by him: upon wliich the angels 
sing a hymn of triumph. Jesus is led up by the Spirit into the wilder- 
ness, while he is meditating on the commencement of his great office of 
Saviour of mankind. He narrates, in a soliloquy, what divine and 
philanthropic impulses he had felt from his early youth, and how his 
mother, Mary, had acquainted him with the circumstances of his birth, 
and iuformed him that he was no less a person than the Son of God; to 
which he adds what bis own reflections and inquiries had supplied, in 
confirraation of this grent truth, and jiarticularly dwells on the recent 
attestation of it at the river Jordan. Our lord passes forty days, fasting, 
in the wilderness ; where the wild beasts l^ecome harmless in his pres- 
ence. Satan now appears under the form of an old peasant, and enters 
into discourse with our Lord. Jesus replies. Satan rejoins with a descrip- 
tion of the difficulty of supporting life in the wilderness ; and entreats Jesus, 
if he be really the Son of God, to manifest his divine power by changing 
some of the stones into bread. Jesus reproves him, and, at the same 
time, tells him that he knows who he is. Satan avows himself, and 
offers an artful apology. Our blessed Lord severely reprimands him, 
and confutes every part of his justification. Satan sUll endeavours to 
justify himself; and, professing his admiration of Jesus, and his regard 
for virtue, requests to be permitted at a future time to hear more of his 
conversation ; but is answered, that tliis u^.ust be as he shall find per* 
mission from above. Satan then disappears, and the book closes with 
a short description of night coming on in the desert. 

I, WHO erewhile the happy garden sung, 
By one man's disobedience lost, now sing 
Recovered Paradise to all mankind. 



PARADISE KEGAINED. 29«J 

By one man's firm obedience fully tried 
Through all temptation, and the tempter foiled 
In all his wiles, defeated and repulsed, 
And Eden raised in the waste wilderness. 

Thou Sjnrit, who ledst this glorious eremite 
Into the desert, his victorious field. 
Against the spiritual foe, and brought him thence, 
By proof the undoubted Son of God, inspire, 
As thou art wont, my prompted song, else mute, 
And bear through height or depth of nature's bounds> 
With prosperous wing full summed, to tell of deeds 
Above heroic, though in secret done, 
And unrecorded left through many an age ; 
Worthy to have not remained so long unsung. 

Now had the great proclaimer, with a voice 
More awful than the sound of trumpet, cried 
Repentance, and Heaven's kingdom nigh at hand, 
To all baptized : to his great baptism flocked 
With awe the regions round, and with them came 
From Nazareth the son of Joseph deemed 
To the flood Jordan, came as then obscure, 
Unmarked, unknown ; but him the Baptist soon 
Descried, divinely warned, and witness bore 
As to his worthier, and would have resigned 
To him his heavenly ofiice, nor was long 
His witness unconfirmed : on him baptized 
Heaven opened, and, in likeness of a dove, 
The Spirit descended, while the Father's voice 
From Heaven pronounced him his beloved Son. 
That heard the adversary, who,, roving still 
About the world, at that assembly famed 
Would not be last ; and with the voice divine 
Nigh thunder-struck, the exalted Man, to whom 
Such high attest was given, a while surveyed . 
With wonder; then, with envy fraught and rage, 
Flies to his place, nor rests, but in mid air 
To council summons all his mighty peers, 
Within thick clouds, and dark, tenfold involved, 
A gloomy consistory ; and them amidst, 
With looks aghast and sad, he thus bespake: 



294 PARADISE REGAINED. 

" O ancient powers of air and this wide world, 
For much more willingly I mention air, 
This our old conquest, than remember Hell, 
Our hated habitation ; well ye know 
How many ages, as the years of men, 
This universe we have possessed, and ruled, 
In manner at our will, the affairs of earth, 
Since Adam and his facile consort Eve 
Lost Paradise, deceived by me, though since 
With dread attending when that fatal wound 
Sliall be inflicted by the seed of Eve 
Upon my head : long the decrees of Heaven 
Delay, for longest time to him is short ; 
And now, too soon for us, the circling hours 
This dreaded time have comj^assed, wherein we 
Must bide the stroke of that long-threatened wound, 
At least, if so we can, and by the head 
Broken be not intended all our power 
To be infringed, our freedom and our being. 
In this fair empire won of earth and air : 
For this ill news I bring, the woman's seed 
Destined to this, is late of woman born ; 
His birth to our just fear gave no small cause, 
But his growth now to youth's full flower, displaying 
All virtue, grace, and wisdom to achieve 
Things highest, greatest, multiplies my fear. 
Before him a great prophet, to proclaim 
His coming, is sent harbinger, who all 
Invites, and in the consecrated stream 
P]-etends to wash off sin, and fit them so 
Purified to receive him pure, or, rather. 
To do him honour as their king ; all come. 
And he himself among them was baptized. 
Not thenc.e to be more pure, but to receive 
The testimony of Heaven, that who he is 
Thenceforth the nations may not doubt ; I saw 
The prophet do him reverence ; on him rising 
Out of the water. Heaven above the clouds 
Unfold her crystal doors ; thence on his head 
A perfect dove descend, whate'er it meant ; 



PAHADISE REGAINED, 295 

And out of Heaven the sovran voice I heard, 

* This is my Son beloved, in him am pleased.' 

His mother then is mortal, but his Sire 

He who obtains the monarchy of Heaven, 

And what will he not do to advance his Son? 

His first-begot we know, and sore have felt, 

When his fierce thunder drove us to the deep ; 

Who this is we must learn, for man he seems 

In all his lineaments, though in his face 

The glimpses of his Father's glory shine. 

Ye see our danger on the utmost edge 

Of hazard, which admits no long debate, 

But must with something sudden be opposed 

(Not force, but well-couched fraud, well woven snares) 

Ere in the head of nations he appear. 

Their king, their leader, and supreme on earth. 

I, when no other durst, sole undertook 

The dismal expedition to find out 

And ruin Adam, and the exploit performed 

Successfully ; a calmer voyage now 

Will waft me ; and the way found prosperous onoey 

Induces best to hope of like success." 

He ended ; and his words impression left 
Of much amazement to the infernal crew, 
Distracted and surprised with deep dismay 
At these sad tidings ; but no time was then 
For long indulgence to their fears or grief: 
Unanimous they all commit the care 
And management of this main enterprise 
To him their great dictator, whose attempt 
At first against mankind so well had thrived 
In Adam's overthrow, and led their march 
From Hell's deep-vaulted den to dwell in light, 
Regents, and potentates, and kings, yea gods, 
Of many a pleasant realm and province wide. 
So to tlie coast of Jordan he directs 
His easy steps, girded with snaky wiles. 
Where he might likeliest find this new-declared. 
This man of men, attested Son of God, • 
Temptation and all guile ( ci him to try ; 



296 PARADISE REGAINED. 

So to subvert whom he suspected raised 

To end his reign on earth, so long enjoyed ; 

But, contrary, unweeting he fulhlled 

The pur))Ose'd counsel pre-ordained and fixed 

Of tlie Most High, who,, in full frequence bright 

Of angels, thus to Gabriel smiling spake : 

" Gabriel, this day by proof thou shalt behold, 
Thou and all angels conversant on earth 
With man or men's affairs, how I begin 
To verify that solemn message, late 
On which I sent thee to the virgin pure 
In Galilee, that she should bear a Son 
Great in renown, and called the Son of God ; 
Then told'st her, doubting how these things could bo 
To her a virgin, that on her should come 
The Holy Ghost, and the power of the Highest 
O'ershadow her : this man born and now up-grown» 
To show him worthy of his birth divine 
And high prediction, henceforth I expose 
To Satan ; let him tempt and now assay 
His utmost subtlety, because he boasts 
And vaunts of his great cunning to the throng 
Of his apostacy : he might have learned 
Less overweening, since he failed in Job, 
Whose constant perseverance overcame 
Whate'er his cruel malice could invent. 
He now shall know I can produce a man 
Of female seed, far abler to resist 
All his solicitations, and at length 
All his vast force, and drive him back to HeU, 
Winning by conquest what the first man lost 
By fallacy surprised. But first I mean 
To exercise him in the wilderness ; 
There he shall first lay down the rudiments 
Of his great warfare, ere I send him forth 
To conquer Sin and Death, the two grand foes, 
By humiliation and strong sufferance : 
His weakness shall o'ercome Satanic strength, 
And all the woi-ld, nnd mass of sinful flesh ; 
That all the angels and ethereal powers, 



PAUADISE REGAINED. 297 

They now, and men hereafter, may discern, 
From what consummate virtue I have chose 
This perfect man, by merit called my Son, 
To earn salvation for the sons of men." 

So spake the eternal Father, and all Heaven 
Admiring stood a space ; then into hymns 
Burst forth, and in celestial measures moved, 
Circlino: the throne and sino-ino:, while the hand 
Sung with the voice; and this the argument; 

" Victory and triumph to the Son of God 
Now entering his great duel, not of arms. 
But to vanquish by wisdom hellish wiles. 
The father knows the Son ; therefore secure 
Ventures his filial virtue, though untried, 
Against whate'er may tempt, whate'er seduce, 
Allure, or terrify, or undermine. 
Be frustrate, all ye stratagems of Hell, 
And devilish machinations come to nought." 

So they in Heaven their odes and vigils tuned: 
Meanwhile the Son of God, who yet some days 
Lodged in Bethabara where John baptized, 
Musing, and much revolving in his breast. 
How best the mighty work he might begin 
Of Saviour to mankind, and ^hich way first 
Publish his Godlike office now mature. 
One day forth walked alone, the Spirit leading, 
And his deep thoughts, the better to converse 
With solitude, till far from track of men, 
Thought following thought, and step by step led on. 
He entered now the bordering desert wild. 
And, with dark shades and rocks environed round, 
His lioly meditations thus pursued : 

" Oh, what a multitude of thoughts at once 
Awakened in me swarm, while I consider 
What from within I feel myself, and hear 
What from without comes often to my ears, 
LI sorting with my present state compared I 
When I was yet a child, no childish play 
To me was ])1 easing : all my mind was set 
Serious to learn and know, and thence to do 



298 PARADISE REGAINED. 

What might be public good ; myself I thought 

Born to that end, born to promote all truth, 

All righteous things : therefore, above my years, 

The law of God I read, and found it sweet ; 

Made it my whole delight ; and in it grew 

To such perfection, that ere yet my age 

Had measured twice six years, at our great feast 

I w^ent into the temple, there to hear 

The teachers of our law, and to propose 

What might improve my knowledge or their own, 

And was admired by all. Yet this not all 

To which my spirit aspired : victorious deeds 

Flamed in my heart, heroic acts ; one while 

To rescue Israel from the Roman yoke, 

Then to subdue and quell o'er all the earth 

Brute violence and ])roud tyrannic power, 

Till truth were freed, and equity restored ; 

Yet held it more humane, more heavenly, first 

By winning words to conquer willing hearts, 

And make persuasion do the work of fear; 

At least to try, and teach the erring soul, 

Not wilfully misdoing, but unaware 

Misled ; the stubborn only to subdue. 

These growing thoughts niy mother soon perceiving, 

By w^ords at times cast forth, inly rejoiced. 

And said to me apart, ' High are thy thoughts, 

O Son, but nourish them, and let them soar 

To what height sacred virtue and true worth 

Can raise them, though above example high ; 

By matchless deeds exj^ress thy matchless sire. 

For know, thou art no son of mortal m-an ; 

Though men esteem thee low of parentage, 

Tliy father is the eternal king, who rules 

All heaven and earth, angels and sons of men: 

A messenger from God foretold thy birth 

Conceived in me a virgin ; he foretold 

Thou should St be great, and sit on David's throne, 

And of thy kingdom there should be no end. 

At thy nativity, a glorious quire 

Of angels, in the fields of Bethlehem, sung 



PARADISE REGAINED. 299 

To shepherds, watching at their folds by night, 

iVnd told them the Messiah now was born, 

Where they might see him, and to thee they came, 

Directed to the manger where thou lay'st. 

For in the inn was left no better room : 

A star, not seen before, in heaven appearing. 

Guided the wise men thither from the east, 

To honour thee with incense, myrrh, and gold ; 

By whose bright course led on they found the place, 

Affirming it thy star, new-graven in heaven. 

By which they knew the King of Israel born. 

Just Simeon and prophetic Anna, warn'd 

By vision, found thee in the temple, and spake, 

Before the altar and the vested priest, 

Like things of thee to all that present stood.' 

" This having heard, straight I again revolved 
The law and prophets, searching what was writ 
Concerning the Messiah, to our scribes 
Known partly, and soon found of whom they spake 
I am ; this chiefly, that my way must lie 
Through many a hard assay, even to the death, 
Ere I the promised kingdom can attain, 
Or work redemption for mankind, whose sins 
Full weight must be transferr'd=- upon my head. 
Yet, neither thus dishearten'd, nor dismay'd. 
The time prefix'd I waited ; when, behold 
The Baptist, (of whose birth I oft had heard. 
Not knew by sight,) now come, who was to come 
Before Messiah, and his way prepare ! 
I, as all others, to his baptism came. 
Which I believed was from above ; but he 
Straight knew me, and with loudest voice proclaim'd 
Me him, (for it was shewn him so from heaven,) 
Me him, whose harbinger he wars ; and first 
Refused on me his baptism to confer, 
As much his greater, and Avas hardly won: 
But, as I rose out of the laving stream. 
Heaven open'd her eternal doors, from whence 
The Spirit descended on uie like a dove ; 
And last, the sum of all, my Fatlier's voice, 



300 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Audibly heard from heaven, pronounced me his, 

Me his beloved Son, in whom alone 

He was well pleased ; by which I knew the time 

Now full, that I no more should live obscure; 

But openly begin, as best becomes 

The authority which I derived from heaven. 

And now by some strong motion I am led 

Into this wilderness, to what intent 

I learn not yet ; perhaps I need not know, 

For what concerns my knowledge God reveals." 

So spake our Morning Star, then in his rise, 
And, looking round, on every side beheld 
A pathless desert, dusk with horrid shades ; 
The way he came not having mark'd return 
Was difficult, by human steps untrod ; 
And he still on was led, but with such thoughts 
Accompanied of things past and to come 
Lodged in his breast, as well might recommend 
Such solitude before choicest society. 
Full forty days he pass'd, whether on hill 
Sometimes, anon in shady vale, each night 
Under the covert of some ancient oak, 
Or cedar, to defend him from the dew, 
Or harbour'd in one cave, is not reveal'd ; 
Nor tasted human food nor hunger felt, 
Till those days ended ; hunger'd then, at last, 
Among wild beasts : they at his sight grew mild, 
Nor sleeping him, nor waking, harm'd his walk. 
The fiery serpent fled, and noxious worm, 
The lion and fierce tiger glared aloof. 
But now an aged man in rural weeds, 
Following, as seemed, the quest of some stray ewe, 
Or withered sticks to gather, which might serve 
Against a winter's day w-lien winds blow keen, 
To warm him wet returned from field at eve, 
He saw approach, who first w^ith curious eye 
Perused him, then with words thus uttered spake : 

" Sir, what ill chance hath brought thee to this place, 
So far from path or road of men, who pass 
In troop or caravan ? for single none 



PARADISE KEGAINED. 301 

Durst ever, who returned, and dropped not here 

His carcass, pinod with hunger and with drouth. 

I ask the rather, and the more admire, 

For that to me thou seem'st the man, whom late 

Our new baptizing prophet at the ford 

Of Jordan honoured so, and called thee Son 

Of God ; I saw and heard, for we sometimes 

Who dwell this wild, constrained by want, come forth 

To town or village nigh (nighest is far) 

Where aught we hear, and curious are to hear, 

What happens new ; fame also finds us out." 

To whom the Son of God : "Who brought me hither, 
Will bring me hence*; no other guide I seek." 

" By miracle he may," replied the swain, 
"What other way I see not, for we here 
Live on tough roots and stubs, to thirst inured 
More than the camel, and to drink go far, 
Men to much misery and hardship born : 
But if thou be the Son of God, command 
That out of these hard stones be made thee bread 5 
So shalt thou save thyself and us relieve 
With food, whereof we wretched seldom taste." 

He ended, and the Son of God replied : 
*' Think'st thou such force in bread ? Is it not written 
(For I discern thee other than thou seem'st) 
Man lives not by bread only, but each word 
Proceeding from the mouth of God, who fed 
Our fathers here with manna? In the mount 
Moses was forty days, nor ate nor drank ; 
And forty days Elijah without food 
Wandered this barren waste; the same I now: 
Why dost thou then suggest to me distrust. 
Knowing who I am, as I know who thou art ? " 

Whom thus answered the arch-fiend now undisguised: 
" 'Tis true, I am that spirit unfortunate, 
Who, leagued with millions more in rash revolt, 
Kept not my happy station, but was driven 
With them from bliss to the bottomless deep ; 
Yet to that hideous place not so confined 
By rigour unconniving, but that oft 



302 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Leaving my dolorous prison I enjoy 

Large liberty to round this globe of earth, 

Oi- range in the air, nor from the Heaven of Heaveua 

Hath he excluded my resort sometimes. 

I came among the sons of God, when he 

Gave up into my hands Uzzean Job 

To prove him, and illustrate his high worth ; 

And when to all his angels he proposed 

To draw the proud king Ahab into fraud 

That he might fall in Ramoth, they demurring, 

I undertook that office, and the tongues 

Of all his flattering prophets glibbed with lies 

To his destruction, as I had in charge ; 

For what he bids I do. Though I have lost 

Much lustre of my native brightness, lost 

To be beloved of God. I have not lost 

To love, at least contemplate and admire 

What I see excellent in good, or fair, 

Or virtuous, I should so have lost all sense. 

What can be then less in me than desire 

To see thee and approach thee, whom I know 

Declared the Son of God, to hear attent 

Thy wisdom, and behold thy Godlike deeds? 

Men generally think me such a foe 

To all mankind : why should I? they to me 

Never did wrong or violence ; by them 

I lost not what I lost, rather by them 

I gained what I have gained, and with them d>vell 

Copartner in these regions of the world, 

If not disposer ; lend them oft my aid, 

Oft my advice by presages and signs. 

And answers, oracles, portents, and dreams, 

Whereby they may direct their future life. 

Envy they say excites me thus to gain 

Companions of my misery and woe. 

At first it may be ; but long since with woe 

Nearer acquainted, now I feel by proof. 

That fellowship in pain divides not smart, 

Nor lightens aught each man's peculiar load. 

Small consolation then, were men adjoined : 



\ 



PARADISE REGAINED. 303 



This wounds me most (what can it less ?) that man, 
Man fallen shall be restored ; I never more." 
To whom our Saviour sternly thus replied : 
" Deservedly thou griev'st, composed of lies 
From the beginuing, and in lies wilt end ; 
Who boast'st release from Hell, and leave to come 
Into the Heaven of Heavens. Thou com'st indeed, 
As a poor miserable captive thrall 
Comes to the place where he before had sat 
Among the prime in splendour, now deposed, 
Ejected, emptied, gazed, unpited, shunned, 
A spectacle of ruin or of scorn 
To all the host of Heaven : the happy place 
Imparts to thee no happiness, no joy. 
Rather inflames thy torment, representing 
Lost bliss to thee no more communicable, 
So never more in Hell than when in Heaven. 
But thou art serviceable to Heaven's King. 
Wilt thou impute to obedience what thy fear 
Extorts, or pleasure to do ill excites ? 
What but thy malice moved thee to misdeem 
Of righteous Job, then cruelly to afflict him 
With all inflictions ? but his patience won. 
The other service was thy chosen task, 
To be a liar in four hundred mouths : 
For lying is thy sustenance, thy food. 
Yet thou pretend'st to truth ; all oracles 
By thee are given, and what confessed more true 
Among the nations? that hath been thy craft. 
By mixing somewhat true to vent more lies. 
But whnt have been thy answers, what but dark. 
Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding. 
Which they who asked have seldom understood, 
And not well understood as good not known? 
Whoever, by consulting at thy shrine. 
Returned the wiser, or the more instruct 
To fly or follow what concerned him most, 
And run not sooner to his fatal snare? 
For God hath justly given the nations up 
To thy delusions ; justly, since they fell 



304 PAEADISE REGAINED. 

Idolatrous : but when his purpose is 

Among them to decLare his providence 

To thee not known, whence hast thou then thy truth 

But from him or his angels president 

In every province ? who, themselves disdaining 

To approach thy temples, give thee in command 

What to the smallest tittle thou shalt say 

To thy adorers ; thou with trembling fear, 

Or like a fawning parasite, obey'st; 

Then to thyself ascrib'st the truth foretold. 

But this thy glory shall be soon retrenched j 

No more shalt thou by oracling abuse 

The Gentiles : henceforth oracles are ceased, 

And thou no more with pomp and sacrifice 

Shalt be inquired at Delphos or elsewhere, 

At least in vain, for they shall find thee mute. 

God hath now sent his living oracle 

Into the world to teach his final will, 

And sends his Spirit of truth henceforth to dwell 

In pious hearts, an inw^ard oracle 

To all truth requisite for men to know." 

So spake our Saviour ; but the subtle fiend, 
Though inly stung with anger and disdain. 
Dissembled, and this answer smooth returned: 

" Sharply thou hast insisted on rebuke. 
And urged me hard with doings, which not will 
But misery hath wrested from me : where 
Easily canst thou find one miserable. 
And not enforced oft-times to part fromt ruth; 
If it may stand him more in stead to lie. 
Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or abjure? 
But thou art placed above me, thou art Lord ; 
From thee I can and must submiss endure 
Check or reproof, and glad to 'scape so quit. 
Hard are the ways of truth, and rough to walk. 
Smooth on the tongue discoursed, pleasing to the ear, 
And tuneable as sylvan pipe or song ; 
What wonder then if I delight to hear 
Her dictates from thy mouth ? Most men admire 
Virtue, w^ho follow not her lore : permit me 



PAEADISE KEGAINED. 305 

To hear thee when I come (since no man comes), 
And talk at least, though I despair to attain. 
Thy Father, who is holy, wise, and pure, 
Suffers the hypocrite or atheous priest 
To tread his sacred courts, and minister 
About his altar, handling holy things, 
Praying or vowing, and vouchsafed his voice 
To Balaam reprobate, a prophet yet 
Inspired ; disdain not such access to me." 

To whom our Saviour with unaltered brow: 
" Thy coming hither, though I know thy scope, 
I bid not or forbid ; do as thou find'st 
Permission from above ; thou canst not more." 

He added not ; and Satan, bowing low 
His gray dissimulation, disappeared 
Into thin air diffused : for now began 
Night with her sullen wings to double-shade 
The desert ; fowls in their clay nests were couched ; 
And now wild beasts came forth the woods to roam 

20 



306 PAHADISE KEGAINM). 



1 



BOOK II. 

ARGUMENT. 

The disciples of Jesus, uneasy at his long absence, reason amongst them- 
selves concerning it Marj' also gives vent to her maternal anxiety; iu 
the expression of which she recapitulates many circumstances respecting 
the birth and early life of her Son. Satan again meets his infernnl coun- 
cil, reports the b;"id success of his tii'st temptation of our blessed Lord, 
and calls upon them for counsel and assistance. Belial proposes the 
tempting of Jesus with women. Satan rebukes Belial for his dissolute- 
ness, charging on him all the profligacy of that kind ascribed by the poets 
to the heathen gods, and rejects his proposal as in no respect lil^ely to 
succeed. Satan" then suggests other modes of temptation, particularly 
proposing to avail himself of the circumstance of our Lord's hungering: 
and, taking a band of chosen spirits with him, returns to resume his en- 
terprise. Jesus hungers in the desert. Night comes on ; the manner iu 
which our Saviour passes the niglit is described. Morning advances. 
Satan again appears to Jesus, and, after expressing wonder that he 
should be so entirely neglected in the wilderness, where others had been 
miraculously fed, tempts him with a sumptuous banquet of the most 
luxurious kind. This he rejects, and the banquet vanishes. Satan, 
finding our Lord not to be assailed on the ground of appetite, tempts Hiin 
again by offering him riches, as tlie means of acquiring power: this 
Jesus also rejects, producing many instances of great actions performed 
by persons under virtuous poverty, and specifying the danger of riches, 
and the cares and pains inseparable from power and greatness. 

Meanwhile the new-baptized, who yet remained 

At Jordan with the Baptist, and had seen 

Him wliom they heard so Lite expressly called 

Jesus Messiah, Son of God declared. 

And on that high authority had believed. 

And with him talked, and with him lodged, I mean 

Andrew and Simon, famous after known. 

With others, though in holy writ not named, 

Now missing him their joy so lately found, 

So lately found, and so abruptly gone, 

Began to do'.ibt, and doubted many days. 

And as the days increased, increased their doubt : 

Sometimes they thought he might be only shown, 



PAKADISE EEGAINED. 

And for a time canght up to God, as once 

Moses was in the mount, and missing long ; 

And the great Thisbite, who on fiery wheels 

Rode up to Heaven, j-et once again to come. 

Therefore as those young prophets then with care 

Sought lost Elijah, so in each place these 

Nigh to Bethabara ; in Jericho 

The city of palms, ^non, and Salem old, 

Machserus, and each town or city walled 

On this side the broad lake Genezaret, 

Or in Peraea ; but returned in vain. 

Then on the bank of Jordan, by a creek, 

Where winds with reeds and osiers whispering play 

Plain fishermen, no greater men them call, • 

Close in a ©ottage low together got, 

Their unexpected loss and plaints out-breathed : 

" Alas, from what high hope to what relapse 
Unlooked for are we fallen ! our eyes beheld 
Messiah certainly now come, so long 
Expected of our fathers ; we have heard 
His words, his wisdom full of grace and truth; 
Now, now, for sure, deliverance is at hand, 
The kingdom shall to Israel be restored : 
Thus we rejoiced, but soon our joy is turned 
Into perplexity and new amaze : 
Eor whither is he gone? what accident 
Hath ra])t him from us ? will he now retire 
After appearance, and again prolong 
Our expectation ? God of Israel, 
Send thy Messiah forth, the time is come ; 
Behold the kings of the earth how they oppress 
Thy chosen, to what height their power unjust 
They have exalted, and behind them cast 
All fear of thee ; arise and vindicate 
Thy glory, free thy people from their yoke. 
But let us wait ; thus far he hath performed, 
Sent his Anointed, and to us revealed him, 
By his great propiiet, pointed at and shown 
In public, and with him we have conversed; 
Let us be glad of this, and all our fears 



307 



308 PAEADTSE EEGAINED. 

Lay on his providence ; he will not fail, 
Nor will withdraw him now, nor will recall, 
Mock us with his blest sight, then snatch him henoc* 
Soon we shall see our hope, our joy return." 

Thus they out of their plaints new hope resume 
To find whom at the first they found unsought : 
But to his mother, Mary, when she saw 
Others returned from baptism, not her son, 
Nor left at Jordan, tidings of him none. 
Within her breast though calm, her breast though pure, 
Motherly cares and fears got head, and raised 
Some troubled thoughts, which she in sighs thus clad : 

" Oh what avails me now that honour high 
To have conceived of God, or that salute, 
' Hail, highly favoured, among women blest ! ' 
tYhile I to sorrows am no less advanced, 
And fears as eminent, above the lot 
Of other women, by the birth I bore, 
In such a season born when scarce a shed 
Could be obtained to shelter him or me 
From the bleak air ; a stable was our warmth, 
A manger his ; yet soon enforced to fly 
Thence into Egypt, till the murderous king 
Were dead, who sought his life, and missing filled 
With infant blood the streets of Bethlehem; 
From Egypt home returned, in Nazareth 
Hath been our dwelling many years ; his life 
Private, unactive, calm, contemplative. 
Little suspicious to any king ; but now 
Full grown to man, acknowledged, as I hear, 
By John the Baptist, and in public shown, 
Son owned from Heaven by his Father's voice ; 
I looked for some great change ; to honour ? no, 
But trouble, as old Simeon plain foretold, 
That to the fall and rising he should be 
Of many in Israel, and to a sign 
Spoken against, that through my very soul 
A sword shall pierce : this is my favoured lot, 
My exaltation to affictions high. 
Afflicted I may be, it seems, and blest ; 



PAUADISE REGAINED. 309 

I will not argue that, nor will repine. 

But where delays he now ? some great intent 

Conceals hira : when twelve years he scarce had seen, 

I lost hira, but so found, as well I saw 

He could not lose himself ; but went about 

His Father's business ; what he meant I mused, 

Since understand ; much more his absence now 

Thus long to some great iDurpose he obscures. 

But I to wait vyith patience am inured: 

My heart hath been a storehouse lonoj of things 

And sayings laid up, portending strange events." 

Thus Mary pondering oft, and oft to mind 
Recalling what remarkably had passed 
Since first her salutation heard, with thoughts 
Meekly composed awaited the fulfilling : 
The while her son tracing the desert wild, 
Sole but with holiest meditations fed, 
Into himself descended, and at once 
All his great work to come before him set ; 
How to begin, how to accomplish best 
His end of being on earth, and mission high : 
For Satan, with sly preface to return, 
Had left him vacant, and with speed was gone 
Up to the middle region of thick air, 
Where all his potentates in council sat ; 
There without sign of boast, or sign of joy. 
Solicitous and blank he thus began : 

" Princes, Heaven's ancient sons, ethereal thrones, 
Demonian spirits now, from the element 
Each of his reign allotted, rightlier called 
Powers of fire, air, water, and earth beneath. 
So may we hold our place, and these mild seats 
Without new trouble ; such an enemy 
Is risen to invade us, who no less 
Threatens than our expulsion down to Hell; 
I, as I undertook, and with the vote 
Consenting in full frequence was empowered, 
Have found him, viewed him, tasted him, but find 
Far other labour to be undergone 
Than when I dealt with Adam first of men, 



310 I^ARADISE EEGAINED. 

Thongli Adam by his wife's allurement fell, 

However to tliis man inferior fai-, 

If he be man by mother's side at least, 

With more than human gifts from Heaven adorned, 

Perfections absolute, graces divine, 

And amplitude of mind to greatest deeds. 

Therefore I am returned, lest confidence 

Of my success with Eve in Paradise 

Deceive ye to persuasion over-sure 

Of like succeeding here : I summon all 

Rather to be in readiness, with hand 

Or counsel to assist ; lest I who erst 

Thought none my equal, now be over-matched." 

So spake the old serpent doubting, and from all 
With clamour was assured their utmost aid 
At his command ; when from amidst them rose 
Belial, the dissolutest spirit that fell, 
The sensualest, and, after Asmodai, 
The fleshliest incubus, and thus advised : 

" Set women in his eye, and in his walk, 
Among daughters of men the fairest found; 
Many are in each region passing fair 
As the noon sky ; more like to goddesses 
Than mortal creatures, graceful and discreet, 
Expert in amorous arts, enchanting tongues 
Persuasive, virgin majesty with mild 
And sweet allayed, yet terrible to approach, 
Skilled to retire, and in retiring draw 
Hearts after them tangled in amorous nets. 
Such object hath the power to soften and tame 
Severest temper, smooth the rugged 'st brow, 
Enerve, and with voluptuous hope dissolve, 
Draw out with credulous desire, and lead 
At will the manliest, resolutest breast, 
As the magnetic hardest iron draws. 
Women, when nothing else, beguiled the heart 
Of wisest Solomon, and made him build. 
And riade him how to the gods of his wives." 

To whom quick answer Satan thus returned: 
" Belial, in much uneven scale thou weicfh'st 



PARADISE REGAINED. 311 

All others by thyself ; because of old 

Thou thyself doat'dst on womankind, admiring 

Their shape, their colour, and attractive grace ; 

None are, thou think'st, but taken with such toys. 

Before the flood, thou, with thy lusty crew, 

False titled sons of God, roaming the earth, 

Cast wanton eyes on the daughters of men, 

And coupled with theiii, and begot a race. 

Have we not seen, or by relation heard, 

In courts and regal chambers how thou lurk'st, 

In wood or grove by mossy fountain side. 

In valley or green meadow, to waylay 

Some beauty rare, Calisto, Clymene, 

Daphne, or Semele, Antiopa, 

Or Amymone, Syrinx, many more 

Too long, then lay'st thy 'scapes on names adored; 

Apollo, Neptune, Jupiter, or Pan, 

Satyr, or Faun, or Sylvan ? But these haunts 

Delight not all ; among the sons of men. 

How many have with a smile made small account 

Of beauty and her lures, easily scorned 

All her assaults, on worthier things intent ! 

Remember that Pellean conqueror, 

A youth, how all the beauties of the east 

He slightly viewed, and slightly overpassed ; 

How he surnamed of Africa dismissed 

In his prime youth the fair Iberian maid 

For Solomon, he lived at ease, and full 

Of honour, w^ealth, high fare, aimed not beyond 

Higher design than to enjoy his state ; 

Thence to the bait of women lay exposed: 

But he whom weattempt is wiser far 

Than Solomon, of more exalted mind. 

Made and set wholly on the accomplishment 

Of greatest things : what woman will you find. 

Though of this age the wonder and the fame, 

On whom his leisure will vouchsafe an eye 

Of fond desire ? or should she confident, 

As sitting queen adored on beauty's throne, 

Descend with all her winning charms begirt 



312 PARADISE REGAINED. 

To enamour, as the zone of Venus once 

Wrought that effect on Jove, so fables tell; 

How would one look from his majestic brow 

Seated as on the top of virtue's hill. 

Discountenance her despised, and put to rout 

All her array; her female pride deject, 

Or turn to reverent awe ! for beauty stands 

In the admiration only of weak minds 

Led captive ; cease to admire, and all her plumei 

Fall flat and shrink into a trivial toy. 

At every sudden slighting quite abashed ; 

Therefore, with manlier objects we must try 

His constancy, with such as have more show 

Of worth, of honour, glory, and popular praise ; 

Rocks whereon greatest men have oftest wrecked I 

Or that which only seems to satisfy 

Lawful desires of nature, not beyond; 

And now I know he hungers where no food 

Is to be found, in the wide wilderness ; 

The rest commit to me ; I shall let pass 

No advantage, and his strength as oft assay." 

He ceased ; and heard their grant in loud acclaim J 
Then forthwith to him takes a chosen band 
Of spirits likest to himself in guile 
To be at hand, and at his beck appear, 
If cause were to unfold some active scene 
Of various persons, each to know his part ; 
Then to the desert takes with these his flight ; 
Where still from shade to shade the Son of God, 
After forty days' fasting had remained. 
Now hungering first, and to himself thus said : 

"Where will this end? Four times ten days IVe 
passed 
Wandering this woody maze, and human food 
Nor tasted, nor had appetite ; that fast 
To virtue I iuipute not, or count part 
Of what I suffer here : if nature need not, 
Or God support nature without repast. 
Though needing, what praise is it to endure ? 
But now I feel I hunger, which declares 



PAEADISE EEGAINED, 313 

Nature hath need of what she asks ; yet God 
Can satisfy that need some other way, 
Though hunger still remain : so it remain 
Without this body's wasting, I content rae, 
And from the sting of famine fear no harm : 
Nor mind it, fed with better thoughts that feed 
Me hungering more to do my Father's will." 

It was the hour of night, Avhen thus the Son , 

Communed in silent walk, then laid him down 
Under the hospitable covert nigh 
Of trees thick interwoven ; there he slept, 
And dreamed as appetite is wont to dream, 
Of meats and drinks, nature's refreshment sweet ; 
Him thought, he by the brook of Cherith stood, 
And saw the ravens with their horny beaks 
Food to Elijah bringing even ^nd morn. 
Though ravenous, taught to abstain from what they 

brought : 
He saw the prophet also how he fled 
Into the desert, and how there he slept 
Under a juniper ; then how, awaked. 
He found his supper on the coals prepared, 
And by the angel was bid rise and eat, 
And eat the second time after repose. 
The strength whereof sufficed him forty days ; 
Sometimes that with Elijah he partook. 
Or as a guest with Daniel at his pulse. 
Thus wore out night ; and now the herald lark 
Left his ground-nest, high towering to descry 
The morn's approach, and greet her with his song: 
As lightly from his grassy couch up rose 
Our Saviour, and found all was but a dream ; 
Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked. 
Up to a hill anon his steps he reared, 
Fi om whose higli top to ken the prospect round. 
If cottage were in view, sheep-cote, or herd; 
But cottage, herd, or sheep-cote none he saw, 
Only in a bottom saw a pleasant grove. 
With chaunt of tuneful birds resounding loud ; 
Thither he bent his way, determined there 



314 PARADISE REGATN'ED. 

To rest at noon, and entered soon the shade 

High roofed, and walks beneath, and alleys brown, 

That opened in the midst a woody scene ; 

Nature's own work it seemed (nature taught art), 

And to a superstitious eye the haunt 

Of wood-gods and wood-nymphs ; he viewed it round, 

When suddenly a man before him stood, 

Not rustic as before, but seemlier clad. 

As one in city, or court, or palace bred, 

And with fair speech these words- to him addressed : 

" With granted leave officious I return. 
But much more wonder that the Son of God 
In this wild solitude so long should bide 
Of all things destitute, and well I know, 
Not without hunger. Others of some note, 
As story tells, have trod this wilderness : 
The fugitive bond-woman with her son, 
Outcast Nebaioth, yet found here relief 
By a providing angel ; all the race 
Of Israel here had famished, had not God 
Rained from Heaven manna : and that prophet bold, 
Native of Thebez, wandermg here was fed 
Twice by a voice inviting him to eat : 
Of thee these forty days none hath regard, 
Forty and more deserted here indeed." 

To whom thus Jesus : " What conclud'st thou hence? 
They all had need ; I, as thou seest, have none." 

" How hast thou hunger then? " Satan replied. 
"Tell me, if food were now before thee set, 
Wouldst thou not eat ? " " Thereafter as I like 
The giver," answered Jesus. " Why should that 
Cause thy refusal?" said the subtle fiend. 
*' Hast thou not right to all created things ? 
Owe not all creatures by just right to thee 
Duty and service, not to stay till bid, 
But tender all their power ? Nor mention I 
Neats by the law unclean, or offered first 
To idols, those young Daniel could refuse ; 
Nor proffered by an enemy, though who 
Would scruple that, with want opjfressed? Behold, 



PARADISE REGAINED. 315 

Nature ashamed, or better to express, 

Troubled that thou shouldst hunger, hath purveyed 

From ;xll the elements her choicest store 

To treat thee as beseems, and as her Lord 

With honour ; only deign to sit and eat." 

He spake no dream, for as his words had end, 
Our Saviour lifting up his eyes, beheld 
[n ample ^-pace, under the broadest shade, 
A table r.chly spread, in regal mode. 
With dishes piled, and meats of noblest sort 
And savour, beasts of chase, or fowl of game, 
In pastry built, or from the spit, or boiled, 
Gris-amber-steamed ; all fish from sea or shore, 
Freshet, or purling brook, of shell or fin. 
And exquisitest name, for which was drained 
Pontus, and Lucrine Bay, and Afric coast. 
Alas ! how simple, to these cates compared, 
Was that crude apple that diverted Eve, 
And at a stately sideboard by the wine 
That fragrant smell diffused, in order stood 
Tall stripMng youths rich clad, of fairer hue 
Than Ganymed or Hylas ; distant more 
Under the trees now trip])ed, now solemn stood. 
Nymphs of Diana's train, and Naia'des 
With fruits and flowers from Amalthea's horn. 
And ladies of the Hesperides, that seemed 
Fairer than feigned of old, or fabled since 
Of fairy damsels met in forest wide 
By knights of Logres, or of Lyones, 
Lancelot, or Pelleas, or Pellenore : 
And all the while harmonious airs were heard 
Of chiming strings, or charming ])ipes, and winds 
Of gentlest gale Arabian odours fanned 
From their soft wings, and Flora's earliest smells. 
Such was the splendour ; and the tempter now 
His invitation earnestly renew^ed : 

" What doubts the Son of God to sit and eat ? 
These are not fruits forbidden ; no interdict 
Defends the touching of these viands pure ; 
Their taste no knowledge works, at least of evil, 



316 PAEADISE REGAINED. 

But life preserves, destroys life's enemy, 

Hunger, with sweet restorative delight. 

All these are spirits of air, and woods, and springs, 

Thy gentle ministers, who come to pay 

Thee homage, and acknowledge thee their Lord : 

What doubt'st thou. Son of God ? Sit down and eat.** 

To whom thus Jesus temperately replied : 
" Said'st thou not that to all things I had right? 
And who withholds my power that right to use ? 
Shall I receive by gift what of my own, 
When and where likes me best, I can command? 
I can at will, doubt not, as soon as thou, 
Command a table in this wilderness, 
And call swift flights of angels ministrant 
Arrayed in glory on my cup to attend : 
Why shouldst thou then obtrude this diligence 
In vain, where no acceptance it can find ? 
And with my hunger what hast thou to do ? 
Thy pompous delicacies I contemn, 
And count thy specious gifts no gifts, but guiles.** 

To whom thus answered Satan malcontent : 
" That I have also power to give thou seest ; 
If of that power I bring thee voluntary 
What I might have bestowed on whom I pleased, 
And rather opportunely in this place 
Chose to impart to thy apparent need ; 
Why shouldst thou not accept it ? But I see 
What I can do or offer is suspect ; 
Of these things others quickly will dispose, 
Whose pains have earned the far fet spoil." With that 
Both table and provision vanished quite 
With sound of harpies' wings, and talons heard ; 
Only the importune tempter still remained. 
And with these words his temptation pursued : 

" By hunger, that each other creature tames, 
Thou art not to be harmed, therefore not moved; 
Thy temperance invincible besides. 
For no allurement yields to appetite, 
And all thy heart is set on high designs, 
High actions ; but wherewith to be achieved ? 



PAEADISE KE GAINED. 



317 



Great acts require great means of enterprise ; 

Thou art unknown, unfriended, low of birth, 

A carpenter thy father known, thyself 

Bred up in poverty and straits at home, 

Lost in a desert here, and hunger-bit : 

Which way or from what hope dost thou aspire 

To greatness ? whence authority deriv'st ? 

What followers, what retinue canst thou gain, 

Or at thy heels the dizzy multitude, 

Longer than thou canst feed them on thy cost ? 

Money brings honour, friends, conquest, and realms : 

What raised Antipater the Edomite, 

And his son Herod placed on Judah's throne 

(Thy throne), but gold that got him puissant friends? 

Therefore, if at great things thou wouldst arrive. 

Get riches first, get wealth, and treasure heap, 

Not difficult, if thou hearken to me : 

Riches are mine ; fortune is in my hand ; 

They whom I favour thrive in wealth amain, 

While virtue, valour, wisdom, sit in want." 

To whom thus Jesus patiently replied : 
" Yet wealth without these three is impotent 
To gain dominion, or to keep it gained. 
Witness those ancient empires of the earth, 
In height of all their flowing wealth dissolved : 
But men endued with these have oft attained 
In lowest poverty to highest deeds : 
Gideon and Jephtha, and the shepherd lad, 
Whose offspring on the throne of Judah sat 
So many ages, and shall yet regain 
That seat, and reign in Israel without end. 
Among the heathen (for throughout the world 
To me is not unknown what hath been done 
Worthy of memorial), canst thou not remember 
Quintius, Fabricius, Curius, Regulus ? 
For I esteem those names of men so poor 
Who could do mighty things, and could contemn 
Riches though offered from the hand of kings. 
And what in me seems wanting, but that I 
May also in this poverty as soon 



818 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Accomplish what they did, perhaps, and more? 

Extol not riches, then, the toil of fools. 

The wise man's cumbrance if not snare, more apt 

To slacken virtue, and abate her edge, 

Than prompt her to do aught may merit praise. 

What if with like aversion T reject 

Riches and realms; yet not for that a crown, 

Golden in show, is but a wreath of thorns. 

Brings dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nighvi 

To him who wears the regal diadem. 

When on his shoulders each man's burden lies; 

For therein stands the office of a king, 

His honour, virtue, mei'it, and chief praise, 

That for the public all this weight he bears. 

Yet he who reigns within himself, and rules 

Passions, desires, and fears, is more a king ; 

Which every wise and virtuous man attains : 

And who attains not, ill aspires to rule 

Cities of men, or headstrong multitudes, 

Subject himself to anarchy within, 

Or lawless passions in him which he serves. 

But to guide nations in the way of truth 

By saving doctrine, and from error lead 

To know, and knowing worship God aright, 

Is yet more kingly; this attracts the soul, 

Governs the inner man, the nobler part; 

That other o'er the body only reigns, 

And oft by force, which to a generous mind 

So reigning can be no sincere delight. 

Besides, to give a kingdom hath been thought 

Greater and nobler done, and to lay down 

Far more magnanimous than to assume. 

Riches are needless, then, both for themselves, 

And for thy reason why they should be sought, 

To gain a sceptre, oftest better missed." 



Fjlbadise regained. 319 



BOOK III. 



ABGUMENT. 



Satan endeavours to awaken in Jesus a passion for glory, by particu- 
larising various great actions performed by persons at an early period of 
life. Our Lord replies, by shewing the vanity of worldly fame, and con- 
trasts with it the trae glor}^ of religious patience and virtuous wisdom. 
Satan justifies the love of glory from the example of God liiraself, who 
requires it from all liis creatures. Jesus detects tlie fallacy of this ar- 
gument, by shewing that, as goodness is the true ground on which glory 
is due to the great Creator, sinful man can have no right to ic. Satan 
then urges our Lord respecting his claim to the throne of David ; he tells 
him, that the kingdom of Judea, being at that time a province of Rome, 
cannot be got possession of without much personal exertion on his part, 
and presses him to lose no time in beginning to reign. Jesus refers him to 
the time allotted for this, as for all other "things"; and, after intimating 
somewhat respecting his own previous sufferings, asks Satan why he 
should be solicitous lor the exaltation of one wliose rising was destined to 
be his fall. Satan replies, that his own desperate state, by excluding all 
hope, leaves little room for fear ; and that, as his own punishment was 
equally doomed, he is not interested in preventing the reign of one, from 
whose apparent benevolence he might rather hope for some interference 
in his favour. Satan, still supjiosing that the seeming reluctance of Jesus 
to be thus advanced, might arise from his being unacquainted with the 
world audits glories, conveys him to the summit of a high mountain, 
and from thence shews him most of the kingdoms of Asia, pointing out 
to his notice some extraordinary military preparations of the Parthians 
to resist the incursions of the Scythians. He then informs our Lord, 
that he shewed him this purposely, that he might see how necessary mili- 
tary exertions are to retain the possession of kingdoms, as well as to sub- 
due them at first ; and advises him to consider how impossible it was to 
maintain Judea against two such powerful neighbours as the Romans 
and Parthians, and how necessary it would be to form an alliance with 
one or other of them. At the same time, he recommends, and engages to 
secure to him that of the Parthians ; and tells him, that by this means 
his power will be defended from anything that Rome or Cresar might 
attempt against it ; and that he will be able to extend his glory wide, 
and especially to accomplish what was particularly necessary to make 
the throne of Judea really tlie throne of David, the deliverance and re.s- 
toration of the ten tribes, still in a state of captivity. Jesus, having 
briefly noticed the vanity of military efforts, and tlie weakness of the arm 
of flesh, says that, when the time comes for ascending his allotted throne, 
he shall not be slack : he remarks on Satan's extraordinary zeal for the 
deliverance of the Israelites, to whom he liad always shewn himself an 
enemy, and declares their servitude to be the consequence of their idol- 
atry ; but adds, that, at a future time, it nuiy perhaps please God to re- 
;!all them, and restore them to their liberty and native land. 



320 PAEADISE REGAINED. 

So spake the Son of God, and Satan stood 

A while as mute, confounded what to say, 

What to reply, confuted and convinced 

Of his weak arguing, all fallacious drift ; 

At length, collecting all his serpent wiles. 

With soothing words renewed, him thus accosti L 

" I see thou know'st what is of use to know, 
What best to say canst say, to do canst do ; 
Thy actions to thy words accord, thy words 
To thy large heart give utterance due, thy heart 
Contains of good, wise, just, the perfect shape. 
Should kings and nations from thy mouth consulti 
Thy council would be as the oracle 
Urim and Thummim, those oraculous gems 
On Aaron's breast ; or tongue of seers old 
Infallible : or wert thou sought to deeds 
That might require the array of war, thy skill 
Of conduct would be such, that all the world 
Could not sustain thy prowess, or subsist 
In battle, though against thy few in arms. 
These godlike virtues wherefore dost thou hid©, 
Affecting private life, or more obscure 
In savage wilderness ? Wherefore deprive 
All earth her wonder at thy acts, thyself 
The fame and glory, glory the reward 
That sole excites to high attempts, the flame 
Of most erected spirits, most tempered pure 
Ethereal, who all pleasures else despise. 
All treasures and all gain esteem as dross, 
And dignities and powers all but the highest? 
Thy years are ripe, and over-ripe ; the son 
Of Macedonian Philip had ere these 
Won Asia, and the throne of Cyrus held 
At his dispose ; young Scipio had brought down 
Tlie Carthaginian pride ; young Pompey quelled 
The Pontic king, and in triumph had rode. 
Yet years, and to ripe years judgment mature, 
Quench not the thirst of glory, but augment. 
Great Julius, whom now all the world admires. 
The more he grew in years, the more inflamed 



PABADISE EE GAINED. 



321 



With glory, wept that he had lived so long 
Inglorious : but thou yet art not too late." 

To whom our Saviour calmly thus replied : 
".Thou neither dost persuade me to seek wealth 
For empire's sake, nor empire to affect 
For glory's sake, by all thy argument. 
For what is glory but the blaze of fame, 
The people's praise, if always praise unmixed? 
And what the people but a herd confused, 
A miscellaneous rabble, who extol 

Things vulgar and, well weighed, scarce worth the praise ? 
They praise, and they admire they know not what, 
And know not whom, but as one leads the other ; 
And what delight to be by such extolled, 
To live upon their tongues and be their talk, 
Of whom to be dispraised were no small praise. 
His lot who dares be singularly good ? 
The intellio^ent among^ them and the wise 
Are few, and glory scarce of few is raised. 
This is true glory and renown, when God, 
Looking on the earth, with approbation marks 
The just man, and divulges him thi-ough Heaven 
To all his angels, who with true applause 
Recount his praises : thus he did to Job, 
When, to extend his fame througli Heaven and earth. 
As thou to thy reproach mayst well remember, 
He asked thee, ' Hast thou seen my servant Job ?' 
Famous he was in Heaven, on earth less known ; 
Where glory is false glory, attributed 
To things not glorious, men not worthy of fame. 
They err who count it glorious to subdue 
By conquest far and wide, to over-run 
Large countries, and in fields great battles win, 
Great cities by assault : what do these worthies, 
But rob and spoil, burn, slaughter, and enslave 
Peacable nations, neighbouring, or remote. 
Made captive, yet deserving freedom more 
Than those their conquerors, who leave behind 
Nothing but ruin wheresoe'er they rove. 
And all the flourishing works of peace destroy, 

21 



B22 i»AEADISE REGAINED. 

Then swell with pride, niid must be titled gods, 
Great benefactors of mankind, deliverers, 
Worshipped with temple, priest, '\nd sacrifice 
One is the son of Jove, of Mars the 'AiLi^f ; 
Till conqueror Death discover them scarce men, 
Rolling in brutish vices, and deformed. 
Violent or shameful death their due reward. 
But if there be in glorj aught of good, 
It may by means far different be attained 
Without ambition, war, or violence ; 
By deeds of peace, by wisdom eminent, 
By patience, temperance : I mention still 
Hi'n whom thy wrongs with saintly patience borne 
Made famous in a land and times obscure ; 
Who names not now with honour patient Job? 
Poor Socrates (who next more memorable?) » 
By what he taught and suffered for so doing. 
For truth's sake suffei'ing death unjust, lives now 
Equal in fame to proudest conquerors. 
Yet if for fame and glory aught be done. 
Aught suffered ; if young African for fame 
His wasted country freed from Punic rage. 
The deed becomes unpraised, the man at least, 
And loses, though but verbal, his reward. 
Shall I seek glory, then, as vain men seek, 
Oft not deserved ? I seek not mine, but his 
Who sent me, and thereby witness whence I am.' 
To whom the tempter murmuring thus replied : 
'^Think not so slight of glory ; therein least 
Resembling thy great Father : he seeks glory, 
And for his glory all things made, all things 
Orders and governs ; nor content in Heaven 
By all his angels glorified, requires 
Glory from men, from all men, good or bad, 
Wise or unwise, no difference, no exemj^tion ; 
Above all sacrifice or liallowed gift 
Glory he requires, and glory he receives 
Promiscuous from all nations, Jew, or Greek, 
Or barbarous, nor exception hath declared ; 
From us, his foes pronounced, glory lie exacts." 



PARADISE REGAINED. 323 

To whom our Saviour fcr\'Cjitly replied : 
" And reason ; since his word ;ill things produced, 
Though cliiefly not for glory as prime end, 
But to show forth his goodness, and impart 
His good communicable to every soul 
Freely ; of whom wliat could he less expect 
Th<an glory and benediction, that is, thanks, 
The slightest, easiest, readiest recompense 
From them who could return him nothing else, 
And, not returning that, would likeliest render 
Contempt instead, dishonour, obloquy? 
Hard reco!Uj)ense, unsuitable return 
For so much good, so much beneficence. 
But why should man seek glory, who of his own 
Hath nothing, and to whom nothing belongs 
But condemnation, ignominy, and shame ? 
Who for so many benefits received 
Turned recreant to God, ingrate and false, 
And so of all true good himself despoiled ; 
Yet, sacrilegious, to himself would take 
That which to God alone of rio-ht belono^s : 
Yet so much bounty is in God, such grace, 
That who advance his glory, not their own. 
Them he himself to glory will advance." 

So spake the son of God : and here again 
Satan had not to answer, but stood struck 
With guilt of his own sin, for he himself 
Insatiable of glory had lost all ; 
Yet of another plea bethought him soon : 

" Of glory, as thou wilt," said he, " so deem. 
Worth or not worth the seeking, let it pass : 
But to a kingdom thou art born, ordained 
To sit upon thy father David's throu-e ; 
By mother's side thy father ; though thy right - 
Be now in powerful hands, that will not part 
Easily from possession won with arras: 
Judea now, and all the promised land, 
Reduced a province under Roman yoke, 
Obeys Tiberius ; nor is always ruled 
With temperate sway ; oft have they violated 



324 PARADISE REGAINED. 

The temple, oft the law with foul affronts. 

Abominations rather, as did once 

Antiochus : and think'st thou to regain 

Thy right by sitting still or thus retiring ? 

So did not Maccabeus : he indeed 

Retired unto the desert, but with arms ; 

And o'er a mighty king so oft prevailed, 

That, by strong hand, his family obtained. 

Though priests, the crown, and David's throne usurped, 

WithModin and her suburbs once content. 

If kingdom move thee not, let move thee zeal 

And duty ; zeal and duty are not slow; 

But on occasion's forelock watchful wait. 

They themselves rather are occasion best, 

Zeal of thy Father's house, duty to free 

Thy country from her heathen servitude ; 

So shalt thou best fulfil, best verify 

The prophets old, who sung thy endless reign; 

The happier reign the sooner it begins : 

Reign then; what canst thou better do the while?" 

To whom our Saviour answer thus returned : 
" All things are best fulfilled in their due time, 
And time there is for all things, Truth hath said • 
If of my reign prophetic writ hath told, 
That it shall never end, so when begin 
The father in his purpose hath decreed. 
He in whose hand all times and seasons roll. 
What if he hath decreed that I shall first 
Be tried in humble state, and things adverse. 
By tribulations, injuries, insults. 
Contempts, and scorns, and snares, and violence^ 
Suffering, abstaining, quietly expecting. 
Without distrust or doubt, that he may know 
What I can suffer, how obey ? Who best 
Can suffer, best can do ; best reign, who first 
Well hath obeyed ; just trial ere I merit 
My exaltation without change or end. 
But what concerns it thee when I begin 
My everlasting kingdom ? why art thou 
Solicitous? what moves thy inquisition? 



PARADISE EEGAIXED. 325 

Know'st thou not that my rising is thy fall, 
And my promotion will be thy destruction ? " 
To whom the tem])ter, inly racked, replied : 
"Let that come when it comes ; all hope is. lost 
Of my reception into grace ; what worse ? 
For where no hope is left is left no fear : 
If there be worse, the expectation more 
Of worse torments me than the feeling can. 
I would be at the worst ; worst is my port, 
My harbour, and my ultimate repose, 
The end I would attain, ray final good. 
My error was my error, and my crime 
My crime ; whatever for itself condemned, 
And will alike be punished, whether thou 
Reign or reign not ; though to that gentle brow 
Willingly I could fly, and hope thy reign, 
From that placid as])ect and meek regard, 
Rather than aggravate my evil state. 
Would stand between me and thy Father's ire 
(Whose ire I dread more than the fire of Hell), 
A shelter and a kind of shading cool 
Interposition, as a summer's cloud. 
If I then to the worst that can be haste, 
Why move thy feet so slow to what is best. 
Happiest both to thyself and all the world, 
That thou who woitliiest art shouldst be their king? 
Perhaps thou linger 'st in deep thoughts detained 
Of the enterprise so hazardous and high ; 
No wonder, for though in thee be united 
What of perfection can in man be found. 
Or human nature can receive, consider 
Thy life hath yet been private, most part spent 
At home, scarce viewed the Galilean towns. 
And once a year Jerusalem, few days' 
Short sojourn ; and what thence couldst thou observe? 
The world tlwu hast not seen, much less her glory. 
Empires, and monarchies, and their radiant courts. 
Best school of best experience, quickest insight 
In all things that to greatest actions lead. 
The wisest, unexperienced, will be ever 



326 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Timorous and loth, with novice modesty 

(As he who, seeking asses, found a kingdom). 

Irresohite, unhardy, unadventurous : 

But I will bring thee where thou soon shalt quit 

Those rudiments, and see before thine eyes 

The monarchies of the earth, their pomp and state, 

Sufficient introduction to inform 

Thee, of thyself so apt, in regal arts, 

And regal mysteries, that thou mayst know 

How best their opposition to withstand." 

With that (such power was given him then) he took 
The Son of God up to a mountain high. 
It was a mountain at whose verdant feet 
A spacious plain, out-stretched in circuit Avide, 
Lay pleasant ; from his side two rivers flowed. 
The one winding, the other straight, and left between 
Fair champain, with less rivers interveined, 
Then meeting, joined their tribute to the sea : 
Fertile of corn the glebe, of oil, and wine ; 
With herds the pastures thronged, with flocks the hills : 
Huge cities and high-towered, that well might seen 
The seat of mightiest monarchs, and so large 
The prospect was, that here and there was room 
For barren desert fountainless and dry. 
To this high mountain-top the tempter brought 
Our Saviour, and new train of words began : 

"Well have we speeded, and o'er hill and dale, 
Forest, and field, and flood, temples and towers, 
Cut shorter many a league ; here thou behold'st 
Assyria and her empire's ancient bounds, 
Araxes and the Caspian lake, thence on 
As far as Indus east, Euphrates west, 
And oft beyond ; to south the Persian bay. 
And inaccessible the Arabian drouth : 
Here Nineveh, of length within her wall 
Several days' journey, built by Ninus old, 
Of that first golden monarchy the seat, 
And seat of Salmanassar, whose success 
Israel in long captivity still mourns ; 
There Babylon, the wonder of all tongues. 



PAEADTSE REGAINED. S27 

As ancient, but rebuilt by him who twice 

Judah and all thy father David's house 

Led captive, and Jerusalem laid waste, 

Till Cyrus set them free ; Persepolis 

His city there thou seest, and Bactra there; 

Ecbatana her structure vast there shows, 

And Hecatompylos her hundred gates : 

There Susa by Chonspes, amber stream, 

The drink of none but kings ; of later fame 

Built by Emathian or by Parthian hands, 

The great Seleucia, Nisibis, and there 

Artaxata, Teredon, Ctesiphon, 

Turning with easy eye thou mayst behold. 

All these the Parthian, now some ages past, 

By great Arsaces led, who founded first 

That empire, under his dominion holds. 

From the luxurious kings of Antioch won. 

And just in time thou com'st to have a view 

Of his great power ; for now the Parthian king 

In Ctesiphon hath gathered all his host 

Against the Scythian, whose incursions wild 

Have wasted Sogdiana ; to her aid 

He marches now^ in haste : see, though from far, 

His thousands, in what martial equipage 

They issue forth, steel bows and shafts theirs arms, 

Of equal dread in flight or in ])ursuit ; 

All horsemen, in which fight they most excel : 

See how in warlike muster they appear, 

In rhombs and wedges, and half-moons, and wings." 

He looked, and saw what numbers numberless 
The city gates out-pouved, light armed troops 
In coats of mail and military pride; 
In mail their horses clad, yet fleet and strong, 
Prancing theirs riders bore, the flower and choice 
Of many provinces from bound to bound ; 
From Arachosia, from Candaor east, 
And Margiana to the Hyrcanian cliffs 
Of Caucasus, and dark Iberian dales. 
From Atropatia and the neighbouring plains 
Of Adiabene, Media, and the south 



328 PAEADISE KEGAINED. 

Of Siisiana, to Balsara's haven. 

He saw them in their forms of battle ranged, 

How quick they wheeled, and flying beliind them shot 

Sharp sleet of arrowy showers against the face 

Of their pursuers, and overcame by flight ; 

Tlie field all iron cast a gleaming brown : 

Nor wanted clouds of foot, nor on each horn 

Cuirassiers all in steel for standing fight, 

Chariots or elephants indorsed with towers 

Of archers, nor of labouring pioneers 

A multitude with spades and axes armed, 

To lay hills plain, fell w^oods, or valleys fill, 

Or where plain was raise hill, or overlay 

With bridges rivers proud, as with a yoke ; 

Mules after these, camels and dromedaries, 

And waggons fraught with utensils of war. 

Such forces met not, nor so wide a camp, 

When Agrican, with all his northern powers, 

Besieged Albracca, as romances tell, 

The city of Gallaphrone, from thence to win 

The fairest of her sex, Angelica 

His daughter, sought by many pi'owest knights, 

Both Paynim, and the peers of Charlemain. 

Such and so numerous was their chivalry : 

At sight whereof the fiend yet more presumed. 

And to our Saviour thus his words renewed : 

" That thou mayst know I seek not to engage 
Thy virtue, and not every way secure 
On no slight grounds thy safety ; hear, and mark 
To what end I have brought thee hither, and shown 
Ml this fair sight : thy kingdom, though foretold 
By prophet or by angel, unless thou 
Endeavor, as thy father David did, 
Thou never shalt obtain : prediction still 
In all things, and all men, sui)poses means ; 
Without means used, what it predicts revokes. 
But say thou wert ])ossessed of David's throne, 
By free consent of all, none op])osite, 
Samaritan or Jew; hoAv couldst thou hoj^e 
Long to enjoy it (]uiet :ind secure. 
Between two such enclosing enemies, 



PARADISE REGAINED. 329 

Roman and Parthian ? Tlierefore one of thes© 

Thou must make sure thy own : the Parthian first, 

By my advice, as nearer, and of hite 

Found able by invasion to annoy 

Thy couutry, and captive lead away her kings, 

Antigonus and old Hyrcanus, bound, 

Maugre the Roman : it shall be my task 

To render thee the Parthian at dispose ; 

Choose which thou wilt, by conquest or by league. 

By him thou shalt regain, without him not, 

That which alone can truly reinstal thee 

In David's royal seat, his true successor, 

Deliverance of thy brethren, those ten tribes 

Whose offspring in his territory yet serve. 

In Habor, and among the Medes dispersed ; 

Ten sons of Jacob, two of Joseph, lost 

Thus long from Israel, serving as of old 

Their fathers in the land of Egypt served, 

This offer sets before thee to deliver. 

These if from servitude thou slialt restore 

To their inlieritance, then, nor till then, 

Thou on the throne of David in full glory. 

From Egypt to Euphrates, and beyond, 

Shalt reign, and Rome or Caesar not need fear." 

To whom our Saviour answered thus unmoved f 
" Much ostentation vain of fleshy arm. 
And fragile arms, much instrument of war 
Long in preparing, soon to nothing brought. 
Before mine eyes thou hast set ; and in my ear 
Vented much policy, and projects deep 
Of enemies, of aids, battles, and leagues. 
Plausible to the world, to me worth naught. 
Means I must use, thou say'st, prediction else 
Will unpredict and fail me of the throne ; 
My time, I told thee (and that time for thee 
Were better farthest off), is not yet come ; 
When that comes, think not thou to find me slaek 
On my part aught endeavouring, or to need 
Thy politic maxims, or tliat cumbersome 
Luggage of war there sliown me, argument 
Of human weakness rather than of strenocth. 



330 PARADISE REGAINED. 

My brethren, as thou call'st them, those ten tribes 

I must deliver, if I mean to reign 

David's true heir, and his full sceptre sway 

To just extent over all Israel's sons. 

But whence to thee this zeal ? Where was it then 

For Israel, or for David, or his throne, 

When thou stood'st up his tempter to the pride 

Of numbering Israel, which cost the lives 

Of threescore and ten thousand Israelites 

By three days' pestilence? Such was thy zeal 

To Israel then, the same that now to me. 

As for those captive tiibes, themselves were they 

Who wrought their own captivity ; fell off 

From God to worship calves, the deities 

Of Egypt ; Baal next, and Ashtaroth, 

And all the idolatries of heathen round, 

Besides their other worse than heathenish crimes ; 

Nor in the land of their captivity 

Humbled themselves, or penitent besought 

The God of their forefathers ; but so died 

Impenitent, and left a race behind 

Like to themselves, distinguishable scarce 

From Gentiles, but by circumcision vain, 

And God with idols in their worship joined. 

Should I of these the liberty regard, 

Who, freed, as to their ancient patrimony, 

Unhumbled, unrepentant, unreformed, 

Headlong would follow ; and to their gods, perhaps, 

Of Bethel and of Dan ? No, let them serve 

Their enemies, who serve idols with God. 

Yet he at length, time to himself best known, 

Remembering Abraham, by some wondrous call 

May bring them back repentant and sincere, 

And at their passing cleave the Assyrian flood, 

While to their native land with joy they haste, 

As to the Red Sea and Jordan once he cleft, 

When to the promised land their fathers passed: 

To his due time and providence I leave them." 

So spake Israel's true king, and to the fiend 
Made answer meet, that made void all his wiles. 
So fares it when with truth falsehood contends. 



PARADISE REGAINED. 331 



BOOK IV. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Satan, persisting in the temptation of our Lord, shews him imperial 
Rome in its greatest splendour, and tells him that he might, with the 
greatest ease, expel Tiberius, restore the Romans to their liberty, and 
make liimself master not only of the Roman empire, but, by so doing, 
of the whole world, and inclusively of the throne of David. Our Lord, 
in reply, expresses his contempt of grandeur and worldly power, and 
notices the luxury, vanity, and profligacy of the Romans, declaring how 
little they merited to be restored to that liberty which they had lost by 
their misconduct. Satan, now desperate, to enliance the value of his 
proffered gifts, professes that the only terms on which he "will bestow 
them, are our Saviour's falling down and woishipping hiu). Our Lord 
expresses a firm but tem])erate indignation at such a proposition, and re- 
bukes the tempter. Satan then assumes a new ground of temptation, 
and, proposing to Jesus the intellectual gratifications of wisdom and 
knowledge, points out to him the ceiebra'ted seat of ancient learning, 
Athens, its schools, and other- various resorts of learned teachers and 
their disciples. Jesus replies, by shewing the vai^iity and insufficiency of 
the boasted heathen jihilosopliy. Satan, irritated at the failure of all 
his atteuipts, upbraids the indiscretion of our Saviour in rejecting his 
offers: and, having foretold the sufferings that our Lord was to undergo, 
carries him back into the wilderness, and leaves him there. Night 
comes on: Satan raises a tremendous storm, and attempts farther to 
alarm Jesus with frightful dreams, and terrific threatening .spectres. A 
calm, bright, beautiful morning succeeds to the horrors of the night. 
Satan again presents hiuiself to our blessed Lord; and takes occasion, 
once more, to insult liim with an account of the sufferings which he 
was certainly to undei'go This only draws from our Lord a brief rebuke. 
Satan, now at the height of his despeiation, coniesses that he had Ire- 
quently watched Jesus from his birth, purposely to discover if he was 
the Messiah, and as-iduously followed him, in hopes of gaining some 
advantage over him, which would most effectually prove that he was not 
really tfiatDiviue Person destined to be his " fatal enemy." In this he 
acknowledges that he has hitherto failed; but still determines to make 
one more trial. Accordingly he conveys him to the temple at Jerusalem; 
and, placing him on a pointed eminence, requires him to prove his di- 
vinity either- by standing there, or casting himself doAvn with safety. Our 
Lord reproves the tempter, and manifests his own divinity by standing 
on this dangerous point. Satan, auiazed and terrified, instantly falls, 
and repairs to his infernal compeeis to relate the bad success of his en- 
terprise Angels convey our l)lesse(l Loid to a beautiful valley, and, 
while they minister to him a repast of celestial food, celebrate his victory 
in a triumphant hymn. 



332 PABADISE REGAINED. 

Perplexed and troubled at his bad success, 

Tlie tempter stood, nor liad what to re|)ly ; 

Discovered in his fraud, thrown from his hope 

So oft, and the persuasive rhetoric 

That sleeked his tongue, and won so much on Eve, 

So little here, nay lost ; but Eve was Eve, 

This far his over-match, who, self-deceived 

And rash, beforehand had no better weighed 

The strength he was to cope with, or his own ; 

But as a man who had been matchless held 

In cunning, over-reached where least he thought, 

To salve his credit, and for very spite, 

Still will be tempting him who foils him still, 

And never cease, though to his shame the more ; 

Or as a swarm of iiies in vintage time. 

About the wine-press where sweet must is poured, 

Beat off, returiws as oft with humming sound ; 

Or surging waves against a solid rock, 

Though all to shivers dashed, the assault renew. 

Vain battery, and in froth or bubbles end ; 

So Satan, whom repulse upon repulse 

Met ever, and to shameful silence brought, 

Yet gives not o'er, though desperate of success, 

And his vain importunity pursues. 

He brought our Saviour to the western side 

Of that high mountain, whence he might behold 

Another plain, long, but in breadth not v/ide, 

Washed by the southern sea, and on the north 

To equal length backed with a ridge of hills. 

That screened the fruits of the earth and seats of men 

From cold septentrion blasts ; thence in the midst 

Divided by a river, of whose banks 

On each side an imperial city stood. 

With towers and temples proudly elevate 

On seven small hills, with palaces adorned, 

Porches and theatres, baths, aqueducts. 

Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs, 

Gardens and groves, presented to his eyes, 

Above the height of mountains inter])osed ; 

By what strange parallax, or optic skill 



PAKAIilSE REGAINED. 833 

Of vision multiplied through air, or glass 
Of telescope, were curious to inquire ; • 

And now the tempter thus his silence broke : 
" The city which thou seest no other deem 
Than great and glorious Rome, queen of the earth 
So far renowned, and with the spoils enriched 
Of nations ; there the capitol thou seest 
Above the rest lifting his stately head 
On the Tarpeian rock, her citadel 
Impregnable, and there Mount Palatine, 
The imperial palace, compass huge, and high 
The structure, skill of noblest architects. 
With gilded battlements, conspicuous far, 
Turrets and terraces, and glittering spires. 
Many a fair edifice besides, more like 
Houses of gods (so Avell I have disposed 
My airy microscope), thou mayst behold 
Outside and inside both, pillars and roofs, 
Carved work, the hand of famed artificers 
In cedar, marble, ivory, or gold. 
Thence to the gates cast round thine eye, and see 
What conflux issuing forth, or entering in : 
CPrsetors, proconsuls to their provinces 
Hasting, or on return, in robes of state ; 
Lictors and rods, the ensigns of their power, 
Legions and cohorts, turms of horse and wings : 
Or embassies from regions far remote 
In various habits on the Appian road, 
Or on the Emilian, some from farthest south, 
Syene, and where the shadow both way falls, 
Meroe, Nilotic isle, and more to west. 
The realm of Bocchus to the Black-moor sea ; 
From the Asian kings, and Parthian among these, 
From India and tlie golden Chersonese, 
And utmost Indian isle. Taprobane, 
Dusk faces with white silken turbans wreathed, 
From Gallia, Gades, and the British west, 
Germans and Scythians, and Sarmatians north 
Beyond Danubius to tlie Tauric pooL 
All nations now to Rome obedience pay, 



334 PARADISE REGATXED. 

To Rome's great emperor, whose wide domain 
Li ample territory, wealth and power, 
Civility of manners, arts and arms. 
And long renown, thou justly mayst prefer 
Before the Parthian ; these two thrones except, 
The rest are barbarous, and scarce worth the sight, 
Shared among pett}^ kings too far removed ; 
These having shown thee, I have shown thee all 
The kingdoms of the world, and all their glory. 
This em])eror hath no son, and now is old. 
Old and lascivious, and from Rome retired 
To Caprea, an island small but strong 
On the Campanian shore, with purpose there 
His horrid lusts in private to enjoy, 
Committing to a wicked favourite 
All public cares, and yet of him suspicious, 
Hated of all, and hating ; with what ease, 
Endued with regal virtues as thou art, 
A])pearing, and beginning noble deeds, 
Mightst thou expel this monster from his throne 
Now made a sty, and, in his place ascending, 
A victor people free from servile yoke ? 
And with my help thou mayst ; to me the power 
Is given, and by that right I give it thee. 
Aim therefore at no less than all the world. 
Aim at the highest, without the higliest attained 
Will be for thee no sitting, oi- not long, 
On David's throne, be prophesied what Avill." 
To whom the Son of God unmoved rejflied : 
"Nor doth this grandeur and majestic show 
Of luxury, though called magnificence, 
More than of arms before, allure mine eye, 
jMuch less my mind ; though thou shouldst add to t^ 
Their sumptuous gluttonies, and gorgeous feasts 
On citron tables, or Atlantic stone 
(For I have also heard, perhaps have read), 
Their wines of Setia, Cales, and Falerne, 
^•^hios, and Crete, and how they quaff in gold, 
Crystal, and myrrhine cups, embossed with gems 
And studs of pearl, to me shouldst tell who. thirst 



PARADISE REGAINED. 335 

i'tnd /iunger still. Then embassies thou sliow'st 

Frov 1 nations far and nigh : what honour that, 

But tedious waste of time to sit and hear 

So i.iuny hollow compliments and lies, 

Outlandish flatteries ? Then proceed'st to talk 

Of the emperor, how easily subdued, 

tlow gloriously ; I shall, thou say'st, expel 

A. brutish monster : what if I withal 

Expel a devil who first made him such? 

Let his tormentor conscience find him out ; 

B^or him I was not sent, nor yet to free 

That people victor once, now vile and base, 

Deservedly made vassal, who once just. 

Frugal, and mild, and temperate, conquered well. 

But govern ill the nations under yoke, 

Peeling their provinces, exhausted all 

By lust and rapine ; first ambitious grown 

Of triumph, that insulting vanity; 

Then cruel, by their sports to blood inured 

Of fighting beasts, and man to beasts exposed, 

Luxurious by their wealth, and greedier still, 

And from the daily scene effeminate. 

What wise and valiant man would seek to free 

These thus degenerate, by themselves enslaved, 

Or could of inward slaves make outward free ? 

Know, therefore, when my season comes to sit 

On David's throne, it shall be like a tree 

Spreading and overshadowing all the earth, 

Or as a stone that shall to pieces dash 

All monarchies besides throughout the world, 

And of my kingdom there shall be no end : 

Means there shall be to this, but what the means. 

Is not for thee to know, nor me to tell." 

To whom the tempter impudent replied : 
•' I see all offers made by me how slight 
Thou vainest, because offered, and reject'st : 
Nothing will jjlease the difficult and nice, 
Or nothing more than still to contradict : 
On the other side know also thou, that I 
On what I offer set as high esteem, 



336 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Nor what T part witli mean to give for nought ; 
All these which in a moment thou behold'st, 
The kingdoms of the world to thee I give ; 
For given to me, I give to whom I please, 
No trifle ; yet with this reserve, not else, 
On this condition, if thou wilt fall down, 
And worship me as thy superior lord, 
Easily done, and hold them all of me ; 
For what can less so great a gift deserve ? " 

Whom thus our Saviour answered with disdain : 
"I never liked thy talk, thy offers less, 
Now both abhor, since thou liast dared to utter 
The abominable terms, impious condition ; 
But I endure the time, till which expired, 
Thou hast permission on me. It is written 
The first of all commandments, 'Thou shalt worshij 
The Lord thy God, and only him shalt serve ; ' 
And dar'st thou to the Son of God propound 
To worship thee, accursed, now more accursed 
For this attempt bolder than that on Eve, 
And more blasphemous ? which expect to rue. 
The kingdoms of the world to thee were given, 
Permitted rather, and by thee usurped ; 
Other donation none thou canst produce : 
If given, by whom but by the King of Kings, 
God over all supreme ? If given to thee, 
By thee how fairly is the giver now 
Repaid ? But gratitude in thee is lost 
Long since. Wert thou so void of fear or shame, 
As offer them to me, tlie Son of God, 
To me my own on such abhorred pact, 
That I fall down and Avorship thee as God? 
Get thee behind me ; plain thou now appear'st 
That evil one, Satan for ever damned." 

To Avhom the fiend with fear abashed replied : 
" Be not so sore offended, Son of God, 
Though sons of God both angels are and men, 
If I to try whether in higher sort 
Than these thou bear'st that title, have proposed 
What both from men and angels I -eceive, 



PAKADISE EEGAINED. 337 

Tetrarchs of fire, air, flood, and on the earth 
Nations besides from all the quartered winds, 
God of this world invoked and world beneath ; 
Who then thou art, whose coming is foretold 
To me so fatal, me it most concerns. 
The trial hath endamaged thee no way, 
Rather more honour left and more esteem; 
Me nought advantaged, missing what I aimed. 
Therefore let pass, as they are transitory. 
The kingdoms of this world ; I shall no more 
Advise thee ; gain them as thou canst, or not. 
And thou thyself seem'st otherwise inclined 
Than to a worldly crown, addicted more 
To contemplation and profound dispute. 
As by that early action may be judged. 
When slipping from thy mother's eye thou went'st 
Alone into the temple, there wast found 
Among the gravest rabbis dis])utant 
On points and questions fitting Moses' chair, 
Teaching, not taught ; the child liood shows the man. 
As morning shows the day. Be famous then 
By wisdom ; as thy empire must extend. 
So let extend thy mind o'er all the world 
In knowledge, all things in it com]>rehend : 
All knowledge is not couched in Moses' law, 
The Pentateuch, or what the prophets wrote : 
The Gentiles also know, and write and teach 
To admiration, led by nature's light ; 
And with the Gentiles much thou must converse, 
Ruling them by ])ersuasion as thou mean'st; 
Without their learning how wilt thou with them, 
Or they with thee, hold conversation meet? 
How Avilt thou reason with them, how refute 
Their idolisms, traditions, paradoxes ? 
Error by his own arms is best evinced. 
Look once more ere we leave this specular mount 
Westward, much nearer by south-west, behold 
Where on the JEgean shore a city stands 
Built nobly, pure the air, and light the soil ; 
Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts 

2'2 



338 PARADISE REGAINED. 

And eloquence, native to famous wits 

Or ho'spitable, in her sweet recess, 

City or suburban, studious walks and shades; 

See there the olive grove of Academe, 

PhUo's retirement, where the Attic bird 

Trills her thick-warbled notes the summer long; 

There flowery hill Hymettus, with the sound 

Of bees' industrious murmur, oft invites 

To studious musing; there Ihssus rolls 

His whispering stream : within the walls then view 

The schools of ancient sages ; his who bred 

Great Alexander to subdue the world, 

Lyceum there, and painted. Stoa next : 

There thou shalt hear and learn the secret power 

Of harmony in tones and numbers hit 

By voice or hand, and various-measured v§rse ; 

-<Eolian charms and Dorian lyric odes. 

And his who gave them breath, but higher sung, 

Blind Melesigenes, thence Homer called. 

Whose poem Phoebus challenged for his own. 

Thence what the lofty grave tragedians taught 

In chorus or iambic, teachers best 

Of moral prudence, with delight received 

In brief sententious precepts, while they treat 

Of fate and chance, and change in human life ; 

High actions and high j^assions best describing. 

Thence to the famous orators repair. 

Those ancient, whose resistless eloquence 

Wielded at will that fierce democratic. 

Shook the arsenal, and fulmined over Greece 

To Macedon and Artaxerxes' throne. 

To sage philosophy next lend thine ear, 

From Heaven descended to the low-roofed house 

Of Socrates ; see there his tenement. 

Whom well inspired the oracle pronounced 

Wisest of men ; from whose mouth issued forth 

Mellifluous streams that watered all. the schools 

Of academics old and new, with those 

Surnamed Peripatetics, and the sect 

Epicurean, and the Stoic severe : 



PARAPTRE REGAINED. S39 

These here revolve, or, as thou lik'st, at home, 
Till time mature thee to a kingdom's weight. 
These rules will render thee a king complete 
Within thyself, much more with empire joined."'' 

To whom our Saviour sagely thus replied : 
" Think not but that I know these things, or think 
I know them not ; not therefore am I short 
Of knowincy what I ouo-lit : he who receives 
Light from above, from the fountain of light, 
No other doctrine needs, though gi-anted true; 
But these are false, or little else but dreams, 
Conjectures, fancies, built on nothing firm. 
The first and wisest of them all professed -^ 
To know this only, that he nothing knew; ' 
The next to fabling fell and smooth conceits ; 
A third sort doubted all things, though plain sense; 
Others in virtue placed felicity. 
But virtue joined with riches and long life ; 
In corporal pleasure he, and careless ease ; 
The Stoic last, in philosophic pride. 
By him called virtue ; and his virtuous man. 
Wise, perfect in himself, and all possessing, 
Equals to God, oft shames not to prefer. 
As fearing God nor man, contemning all 
Wealth, pleasure, pain, or torment, death and life, 
Which when he lists he leaves, or boasts he can, 
For all his tedious talk is but vain boast, 
Or subtle shifts conviction to evade. 
Alas! what can they teach and not mislead. 
Ignorant of themselves, of God much more, 
And how the world began, and how man fell 
Degraded by himself, on grace depending? 
Much of the soul they talk, but all awry, 
And in themselves seek virtue, and to themselves 
All glory arrogate, to God give none, 
Rather accuse him under usual names, 
Fortune and Fate, as one regardless quite 
Of mortal things. Who therefore seeks in these 
True wisdom, finds her not, or by delusion, 
Far worse, her fal^ie resemblance only meets, 



840 " PAEABISE REGAINED. 

An empty cloud. However, many books, 

Wise men have said, are wearisome : (who reads 

Incessantly, and to his reading brings not 

A spirit and judgment equal or superior 

(And what he brings, what needs he elsewhere seek?), 

IJncertain and unsettled still remains, ^ 

Deep versed in books and shallow in himself,,) 

Crude or intoxicate, collecting toys, 

And trifles for choice matters, worth a sponge; 

As children gathering pebbles on the shore. 

Or if I would deliglit my private hours 

With music or with poem, where so soon 

As in our native language can I find 

That solace ? All our law and story strewed 

With hymns, our psalms with artful terms inscribed, 

Our Hebrew songs and harps in Babylon, 

That pleased so well our victors' ear, declare 

That rather Greece from us these arts derived ; 

vlll imitated, while tliey loudest sing 
The vices of their deities, and their own 
In fable, hymn, or song, so personating 
Their gods ridiculous, and themselves past shame. 
Remove their swelling epithets, thick laid 
As varnish on a harlot's cheek, the rest. 
Thin sown with aught of profit or delight, 
Will far be found unworthy to compare 
With Sion's songs, to all true tastes excelling, 
Where God is praised aright, and god-like men, 
The Holiest of Holies, and his saints ; 

^Such are from God inspired, not such from thee, 

VUnless where moral virtue is expressed 
By light of nature not in all quite lost.^> 
Tiieir orators tliou then extoll'st, as those 
The top of eloquence ; statists indeed. 
And lovers of their country, as may seem; 
But herein to our propliets far beneath. 
As men divinely taught, and better teaching 
The solid rules of civil government. 
In their majestic, unaffected style, 
Than all the oratory of Greece and Rome. 



PARADISE REGAINED. 341 

Jji them is plainest taught, and easiest learnt, 
CWhat makes a nation happy, and keeps it so, 
What niins kingdoms, and lays cities flat ; 
These only with our law best form a king." 

So spake the Son of God : but Satan now 
Quite at a loss, for all his darts were spent, 
Thus to our Saviour with stern brow replied : 

" Since neither wealth, nor honour, arms nor arts, 
Kingdom nor empire, pleases thee, nor aught 
By me proposed in life contemplative, 
Or active, tended on by glory or fame. 
What dost thou in this world? The wilderness 
For thee is fittest place ; I found thee there, 
And thither will return thee ; yet remember 
What I foretell thee : soon thou shalt have cause 
To wish thou never hadst rejected thus 
Nicely or cautiously my offered aid. 
Which would have set thee in short time with ease 
On David's throne, or throne of all the world, 
Now at full age, fullness of time, thy season, 
When prophecies of thee are best fulfilled. 
Now contrary, if I read aught in Heaven, 
Or Heaven write aught of fate, by what the stars 
Voluminous, or single characters. 
In their conjunction met, give me to spell. 
Sorrows, and labours, opposition, hate. 
Attends thee, scorns, reproaches, injuries, 
Violence and stripes, and lastly cruel death ; 
A kingdom they portend thee, but what kingdom, 
Real or allegoric, I discern not. 
Nor when, eternal sure, as without end, 
Without beginning; for no date prefixed 
Dircv^ts me in the starry rubric set." 

So saying he took (for still he knew his power 
Not yet expired), and to the wilderness 
Brought back the Son of God, and left him there, 
Feigning to disappear. Darkness now rose. 
As daylight sunk, and brought in louring night, 
Her shadowy offspring, unsubstantial both. 
Privation mere of light and absent day. 



342 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Our Saviour meek, and with untroubled mind 

After his airy jaunt, though hurried sore, 

Hungry and cold, betook him to his rest, 

Wherever, under some concourse of shades, 

Whose branching arms, thick intertwined, might shield 

From dews and damps of night his slieltered head, 

But sheltered slept in vain, for at his head 

The tempter watched, and soon with ugly dreams 

Disturbed his sleep ; and either tropic now 

'Gan thunder, and both ends of Heaven, the clouds 

From many a horrid rift abortive poured 

Fierce rain with lightning mixed, water with fire 

In ruin reconciled : nor slept the winds 

Within their stony caves, but rushed abroad 

From the four hinges of the world, and fell 

On the vexed wilderness, whose tallest pines. 

Though rooted deep as high, and sturdiest oaks 

Bowed their stiff necks, loaden with stormy blasts, 

Or torn up sheer; ill wast thou shrouded then, 

O patient Son of God, yet only stood'st 

Unshaken ; nor ^--et stayed the terror there, 

Infernal ghosts, and hellish furies, round 

Environed thee, some howled, some yelled, some shrieked, 

Some bent at thee their fiery darts, while thou 

Sat'st un appalled in calm and sinless peace. 

Thus passed the night so foul, till morning fair 

Came forth with pilgrim steps in amice gray, 

Who with her radiant finger stilled the roar 

Of thunder, chased the clouds, and laid the winds 

And grisly spectres, which the fiend had raised 

To tempt the Son of God with terrors dire. 

And now the sun, with more effectual beams, 

Had cheered the face of earth, and dried the wet 

From drooping plant, or dropping tree ; the birds. 

Who all things now behold more fresh and green. 

After a night of storm so ruinous, 

Clea^ ed up their choicest notes in bush and spray 

To gratulate the sweet return of morn ; 

Nor yet amidst this joy and brightest morn 

Was absent, after all his mischief done, 



PARADISE REGATlSrED. 343 

The jirince of darkness, glad would also seem 
Of this fair change, and to our Sa\iour came, 
Yet with no new device, they all were spent, 
Rather by this his last affront resolved, 
Desperate of better course, to vent his rage, 
And mad despite to be so oft repelled. 
Him walking on a sunny hill he found, 
Backed on the north and west by a thick wood; 
Out of the wood he starts in wonted shape, 
And in a careless mood thus to him said : 

"Fair morning yet betides thee, Son of God, 
After a dismal night: I heard the wrack 
As earth and sky would mingle ; but myself 
Was distant ; and these flaws, though mortals fear them 
As dangerous to the pillared frame of Heaven, 
Or to the earth's dark basis underneath, 
Are to the main as inconsiderable. 
And harmless, if not wholesome, as a sneeze 
To man's less universe, and soon are gone; 
Yet as being oft-times noxious where they light 
On man, beast, plant, wasteful and turbulent, 
Like turbulencies in the affairs of men, 
Over whose heads they roar, and seem to point, 
They oft fore-signify and threaten ill : 
This tempest at this desert most was bent ; 
Of men at thee, for only thou here dwell'st. 
Did I not tell thee, if thou didst reject 
The perfect season offered with my aid 
To win thy destined seat, but wilt jDrolong 
All to the push of fate, pursue thy way 
Of gaining David's throne no man knows when, 
For both the wiien and how is no Avhere told, 
Ti:ou shalt be what thou art ordained, no doubt ; 
For angels have proclaimed it, but concealing 
The time and means: each act is rightliest done. 
Not when it must, but when it may be best. 
If thou observe not this, be sure to find, 
What I foretold thee, many a hard assay 
Of dangers, and adversities, and pains. 
Ere thou of Israel's sceptre get fast hold ; 



344 PARADISE KEOAINED. 

Whereof this ominous night that closed thee round, 

So many terrors, voices, prodigies, 

May warn thee, as a sure foregoing sign." 

So talked he ; while the Son of God went on 
And stayed not, but in brief him answered thus: 

" Me worse than wet thou iind'st not ; other harm 
Those terrors which thou speak'st of did me none ; 
I never feared they could, though noising loud 
And threatening nigh ; what they can do as signs 
Betokening, or ill boding, I contemn 
As false portents, not sent from God, but thee ; 
Who knowing I shall reign past thy preventing, 
Obtrud'st thy offered aid, that I accepting. 
At least might seem to hold all power of thee, 
Ambitious spirit, and wouldst be thought my God, 
And storra'st refused, thinking to terrify 
Me to thy will. Desist, thou art discerned, 
And toil'st in vain, nor me in vain molest." 

To whom the fiend, now swollen with rage, replied 
" Then hear, O Son of David, virgin-born ; 
For Son of God to me is yet in doubt : 
Of the Messiah I have heard foretold 
By all the prophets ; of thy birth at length 
Announced by Gabriel with the first I knew, 
And of the angelic song in Bethlehem field, 
On thy birth-night, that sung thee Saviour bonu 
From that time seldom have I ceased to eye 
Thy infancy, thy childhood, and thy youth, 
Thy manhood last, though yet in private bred; 
Till at the ford of Jordan, whither all 
Flocked to the Baptist, I among the rest, 
Though not to be baptized, by voice from Heaven 
Heard thee pronounced the Son of God beloved. 
Thenceforth I thought tliee worth my nearer view 
And narrower scrutiny, that I might learn 
In what degree or meaning thou art called 
The Son of God, which bears no single sense ; 
The Son of God I also am, or was. 
And if I was, I am ; relation stands ; 
All men are sons of God ; yet thee I thought 



PAEADISB EEGAIKED. 345 

In some respect far lii2:lier so declared. 

Therefore I watched tHy footsteps from that hour, 

And followed thee still on to this waste wild; 

Where by all best conjectures I collect 

Thou art to be my fatal enemy. 

Good reason then, if I beforehand seek 

To understand my adversary, who 

And what he is ; his wisdom, power, intent ; 

By parle, or composition, truce, or league 

To win him, or win from him what I can. 

And opportunity I here have had 

To try thee, sift thee, and confess have found thee 

Proof against all temptation, as a rock 

Of adamant, and as a centre, firm. 

To the utmost of mere man both wise and good, 

Not more : for honors, riches, kingdoms, glory, 

Have been before contemned, and may again ; 

Therefore to know what more thou art than man, 

Worth naming Son of God by voice from Heaven, 

Another method I must now begin." 

So saying, he caught him up, and, without wing 
Of hippogrif, bore through the air sublime 
Over the wilderness and o'er the plain ; 
Till underneath them fair Jerusalem, 
The holy city, lifted high her towers. 
And higher yet the glorious temple reared 
Her pile, far off appearing like a mount 
Of alabaster, topped with golden spires : 
There on the highest pinacle he set 
The Son of God, and added thus in scorn : 

" There stand, if thou wilt stand ; to stand upright 
Will ask thee skill ; I to thy Father's house 
Have brought thee, and highest placed, highest is best ; 
Now show thy progeny ; if not to stand, 
Cast thyself down ; .safely, if Son of God ; 
For it is written, * He will give command 
Concerning thee to his angels, in their hands 
They shall up-lift thee, lest at any time 
Thou chance to dash thy foot against a stone.'" 

To whom thus Jesus : " Also it is written, 



346 PARADISE REGAINED. 

Tempt not the Lord thy God : " he said and stood : 

But Satan, smitten with amazement, felL 

As when earth's son, Antanis (to com]>are 

Small things with greatest) in Irassa strove 

With Jove's Alcides, and oft foiled still rose, 

Receiving from his mother earth new strength, 

Fresh from his fall, and fiercer grapple joined, 

Throttled at length in the air, expired and fell; 

So after many a foil the tempter proud. 

Renewing fresh assaults amidst his pride 

Fell whence he stood to see his victor fall. 

And as that Thehan monster that proposed 

Her riddle, and him who solved it not devoured, 

That once found out and solved, for grief and spit© 

Cast herself headlong from the Ismenian steep ; 

So struck with dread and anguish fell the fiend, 

And to his crew, that sat consulting, bi'ought 

Joyless triumphs of his hoped success, 

Ruin, and desperation, and dismay. 

Who durst so proudly tempt the Son of God. 

So Satan fell ; and straight a fiery globe 

Of angels on full sail of wing flew nigh. 

Who on their plumy vans received him soft 

From his uneasy station, and upbore. 

As on a floating couch, through the blithe air, 

Then in a flowery valley set him down 

On a green bank, and set before him spread 

A table of celestial food, divine, 

Ambrosial fruits, fetched from the tree of life, 

And from the fount of life ambrossial drink, 

That soon refreshed him wearied, and repaired 

What hunger, if aught hunger had impaired. 

Or thirst ; and as he fed, angelic quires 

Sung heavenly anthems of his victory 

Over temptation, and the tempter proud. 

" True image of the Father, whether throned 
In the bosom of bliss, and light of light 
Conceiving, or remote from Heaven, enshrined 
In fleshly tabernacle, and human form. 
Wandering the wilderness, whatever place, 



PARADISE REGAINED. 347 

Habit, or state, or motion, still expressing 

The Son of God, with godlike force endued 

Against the attenij)ter of thy Father's throne, 

And thief of Paradise ; him long of old 

Thou didst debel, and down from Heaven cast 

With all his army; now thou hast avenged 

Supplanted Adam, and by vanquishing 

Temptation, hast regained lost Paradise, 

And frustrated the conquest fraudulent: 

He never more henceforth will dare set foot 

In Paradise to tempt ; his snares are broke : 

For though that seat of earthly bliss be failed, 

A fairer Paradise is founded now 

For Adam and his chosen sons, whom thou 

A Saviour art come down to reinstal 

Where they shall dwell secure, when time shall be, 

Of tempter and temptation without fear. 

But thou, infernal serpent, shalt not long 

Rule in the clouds ; like an autumnal star 

Or lightning thou shalt fall from Heaven, trod down 

Under his feet ; for proof, ere this thou feel'st 

Thy wound, yet not thy last and deadliest wound, 

By this repulse received, and hold'st in Hell 

No triumph ; in all her gates Abaddon rues 

Thy bold attempt ; hereafter learn with awe 

To dread the Son of God : he all unarmed 

Shall chase thee with the terror of his voice 

From thy demoniac holds, possession foul. 

Thee and thy legions ; yelling they shall fly, 

And beg to hide them in a herd of swine, 

Lest he command them down into the deep 

Bound, and to torment sent before their time. 

Hail ! Son of the Most High, heir of both worlds, 

Queller of Satan, on thy glorious work 

Now enter, and begin to save mankind." 

Thus they the Son of God, our Saviour meek, 
Sung victor, and from heavenly feast refreshed 
Brought on his way with joy ; he unobserved 
Home to his mother's private house returned. 



^aiHsnu SgnutBtej. 



A DRAMATIC POEM. 



TpayKpdia [iifxrjffiq Tzpd^ewq ffizoudaiaq. — x. r. X, 

Aristot. Poet, cap. vi. 

Tragoedia est imitatio actionis seriae, &c., per misericordiam et metum 
perficiens talium affectuuin instrationem. 



OF THAT SORT OF DRAMATIC POEM WHICH IS 
CALLED TRAGEDY. 

Tragedy, as it was anciently composed, hath been ever 
held the gravest, moralest, and most profitable of all other 
poems ; therefore said by Aristotle to be of ]io\ver, by rais- 
ing pity and fear, or terror, to purge the mind of those and 
such like passions, that is, to temper and reduce them to 
just measure with a kind of delight, stirred up by reading 
or seeing those passions well imitated. Nor is nature 
wanting in her own effects to make good his assertion; 
for so in physic, thin ^rs of melancholic hue and quality are 
used against melancholy, sour against sour ; salt to remove 
salt humours. Hence, philosophers and other gravest 
writers, as Cicero, Plutarch, and others, frequently cite 
out of tragic poets, both to adorn and illustrate their dis- 
course. The Apostle Paul himself thought it not un- 
worthy to insert a verse of Euripides into the text of Holy 
Scripture, 1 Cor. xv. 33 ; and Paraeus, commenting on the 

(518) 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 349 

Revelation, divides the whole book as a tragedy, into acts 
distinguished each by a chorus of heavenly harpings and 
song between. Heretofore, men in higliest dignity have 
laboured not a little to be thought able to compose a 
tragedy. Of that honour Dionysins the elder was no less 
ambitious, than before of his attaining to the tyranny. 
Augustus Cfesar also begun his Ajax, but unable to ])lease 
his own judgment with what he had begun, left it un- 
finished. Seneca, the philoso]>her, is by sometliought the 
author of those tragedies (at least the best of them) that 
go under that name. Gregory Nazianzen, a father of the 
church, thought it not unbeseeming the sanctity of his 
person to write a tragedy, which is entitled " Christ 
Suffering." This is mentioned to vindicate tragedy 
from the small esteem, or rather infamy, which, in the 
account of mnny, it undergoes at this day with other 
common interludes ; ha|)pening through the poets' error 
of intermixing comic stuff with trp.gic sadness and gravity ; 
or introducing trivial and vulgar persons, wliich by all 
judicious hath been counted absurd ; and brought in with- 
out discretion, corruptly to gratify the peo])]e. And 
though ancient tragedy use no prologue, yet using some- 
times, in case of self-defence or explanation, that which 
Martial calls an epistle ; in behalf of this tragedy coming 
forth after the ancient manner, much differ<^nt from what 
among; us passes for best, thus much befoi'phand may be 
epistled ; that chorus is here introduced after the Greek 
manner, not ancient only but modern, and still in use 
among the Italians. In the modelling, ther-efore, of this 
poem, with good reason, the ancients and Itali-^ns are rather 
followed, as of much more authority and fame. The 
measure of verse used in the chorus is of all sorts, called 
by the Greeks Monostrojthic, or rather Apol^lymenon, 
without regard had to Strophe, Antistroj-the, or Epode, 
which were a kind of stanzas framed only for the music 
then used with the chorus that sung; not essential to the 
poem, and therefore not material; or being divided into 
stanzas or pauses, they may be called Alloeostropha. 
Division into act and scene referring chiefly to tht stage 
(to which this work never was intended), is here omitted. 



360 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

It suffices if the whole drama be found not pi Dduced 
beyond the fifth act. Of the style and uniformity, and 
that commonly called the plot, whether intricate or ex- 
plicit, which is nothing, indeed, but such oeconomy or 
disposition of the fable as may stand best with verisi- 
militude and decorum ; they only will best judge who are 
not unacquainted with ^schylus, Sophocles, and Eurip- 
ides, the three tragic poets unequalled yet by any, and the 
best rule to all who endeavour to write tragedy. The 
circumscription of time, wherein the wdiole drama begins 
and ends, is, according to ancient rule and best example, 
within the space of twenty-four hours. 



the persons. 

Samson. 

Manoah, the Father of Samson, 

Dalila, his Wife. 

Harapha of Oath. 

Public Officer. 

Messenger. 

Chorus of Danites, 

The Scene before the Prison in Gaza, 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Samson made captive, blind, and now in tlae prison at Gaza, there to 
labour as in a common workhouse, on a festival day, in the general 
cessation from labour, comes forth into the ojien air to a place nigh, 
somewhat retired, there to sit awhile and bemoan his condition; where 
he happens at length to be'visited by certain friends and equals of his 
tribe, which make the Ohorus, who seek to comfort him what they can ; 
then by his old father. Manoah, who endeavours the like, and withal 
tells him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom ; lastly. th;it this 
feast was proclaimed by the P'.iilistines as a day of thanksgiving for 
their deliverance from ithe hands of Samson, which yet more trouliles 
him. Mauoah then departs to prosecute his endeavour with the Phiiis* 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 851 

tian lords for Samson's redemption; who in the mean while is visited by 
other persons, and lastly by a public officer, to require his coming to the 
feast before the lords and i)eople, to play or show his strength in their 
presence : he at first refuses, dismissing the public officer with absolute 
denial to come; at length, persuaded inwardly that this was from God, 
he yields to go along with him, who came now the second time with 
great threatenings to fetch him. The Chorus yet remaining on the place, 
Manoah returns, full of joyful hope, to procure ere long his son's deliver- 
ance; in the midst of which discourse an Hebrew comes in haste, a n- 
fusedly at first, and afterward more distinctly, relating the catastropjie, 
what Samson had done to the Philistines, and by accident to himseif ; 
wherewith the tragedy ends. 

SAMSON. 

A LITTLE onward lend thy guiding hand 
To these dark steps, a little further on ; 
For yonder bank hath choice of sun or shade : 
There I am wont to sit when any chance 
Relieves me from my task of servile toil, 
Daily in the common prison else enjoined me, 
Where I a prisoner chained, scarce freely draw 
The air imprisoned also, close and damp. 
Unwholesome draught: but here I feel amends, 
The breath of Heaven fresh blowing, pure and sweet, 
With day-spring born ; here leave me to respire. 
This day a solemn feast the people hold 
To Dagon their sea idol, and forbid 
Laborious works; unwillingly this rest 
Their superstition yields me ; hence with leave 
Retiring from the popular noise, I seek 
This unfrequented place to find some ease, 
•Ease to the body some, none to the mind 
From restless thoughts, that like a deadly swarm 
Of hornets armed, no sooner found alone. 
But rush upon me thronging, and present 
Times past, what once I was, and what am now. 
Oh, wherefore was my birth from Heaven foretold 
Twice by an angel, who at last in sight 
Of both my pnrents all in flames ascended 
From off the altar, where an offering burned, 
As in a fiery column charioting 
His god-like presence, and from some great act 
Oi- benefit revealed to Abraham's race ? 



352 SAMSON AGOJSnSTES. 

Why was my breeding ordered and prescribed 

As of a person separate to God, 

Designed for great exploits ; if I must die 

Betrayed, captived, and both my eyes put out, 

JMade of my enemies the scorn and gaze; 

To grind in brazen fetters under task 

AVith this Heaven-gifted strength ? O glorious strength 

Put to the labour of a beast, debased 

Lower than bondslave ! Promise was that I , . 

Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver ; 

Ask for this great deliverer now, and find him 

Eyeless in Gaza, at the mill with slaves, 

Himself in bonds under Philistian yoke : 

Yet stay, let me not rashly call in doubt 

Divine prediction ; what if all foretold 

Had been fulfilled but througli mine own default, 

Whom have I to complain of but myself? 

Who this high gift of strength committed to me, 

In what part lodged, how easily bereft me, 

Under the seal of silence could not keep, 

But weakly to a woman must reveal it, 

O'ercome with importunity and tears. 

O impotence of mind, in body strong ! 

But what is strength without a double share 

Of wisdom ? vast, unwieldly, burdensome, 

Proudly secure, yet liable to fall 

By weakest subtleties, not made to rule. 

But to subserve where wisdom bears command ! 

God, Avhen he gave me strength, to show withal 

How slight the gift was, hung it in my hair. 

But peace ! I must not quarrel with the will 

Of highest dispensation, which herein 

Haply had ends above my reach to know : 

Suffices that to me strength is my bane, 

And proves the source of all my miseries ; 

So many and so huge, that each apart 

Would ask a life to wail ; but chief of all, 

O loss of sight, of thee I most complain ! 

Blind among enemies, O worse than chains^ 

Dungeon or beggary, or decrepit age ! 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 353 

Light, the prime work of God, to me is extinct, 

And all her various objects of delight 

Annulled, which might in part my grief have eased 

Inferior to the vilest now become 

Of man or worm ; the vilest here excel me ; 

They creep, yet see ; I, dark in light, exposed 

To daily fraud, contempt, abuse, and wrong, 

Within doors, or without, still as a fool, 

In power of others, never in my own ; 

Scarce half I seem to live, dead more than half. 

Oh, dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon, 

Irrecoverably dark, total eclipse, 

Without all hope of day ! 

O first created beam, and thou great Word, 

•* Let there be light !" and light was over all; 

Why am I thus bereaved thy prime decree ? 

The sun to me is dark 

And silent as the moon, 

When she deserts the night, 

Hid in her vacant interlunar cave. 

Since light so necessary is to life, 

And almost life itself, if it be true 

That light is in the soul. 

She all in every part : why was the sight 

To such a tender ball as the eye confined. 

So obvious and so easy to be quenched? 

And not as feeling through all parts diffused. 

That she might look at will tlirough every pore t 

Then had I not been thus exiled from light, 

As in the land of darkness, yet in light, 

To live a life half dead, a living death. 

And buried ; but, oh, yet more miserable I 

Myself, my sepulchre, a moving grave. 

Buried, yet not exempt 

By privilege of death and burial 

From worst of other evils, pains and wrongs, 

But made hereby obnoxious more 

To all the miseries of life, 

Life in captivity 

Among inhuman foes. 



354 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

But who are these ? for with joint pace I hear 
The trea<l of many feet steering this way ; 
Perhaps my enemies, who come to stare 
At my affliction, and perhaps to insult, 
Their daily practice to afflict me more. 

CHORUS. 

This, this is he ; softly awhile, 
Let us not break in upon him : 
Oh, change beyond report, thought, or belief I 
See how he lies at random, carelessly diffused, 
With languished head unpropped, 
As one past hope, abandoned, 
And by himself given over ; 

In slavish habit, ill-fitted weeds ^ 

O'er-worn and soiled : 

Or do my eyes misrepresent ? Can this be he, 
That heroic, that renowned. 
Irresistible Samson ? whom unarmed 
No strength of man, or fiercest wild beast could withstand; 
Who tore the lion, as the lion tears the kid ; 
Ran on embattled armies clad in iron. 
And weaponless himself ; 
Made arms ridiculous, useless the forgery 
Of brazen shield and spear, the hammered cuirass, 
Chalybean tempered steel, and frock of mail, 
i^damantean proof ; 
But safest he who stood aloof. 
When insupportably his foot advanced. 
In scorn of their proud arms and warlike tools. 
Spurned them to death by troops. The bold Ascalonite 
Fled from his lion ramp, old warriors turned 
Their plated backs under his heel ; 
Or grovelling soiled their crested helmets in the dust. 
Then with what trivial weapon came to hand. 
The jaw of a dead ass, his sword of bone, 
A thousand foreskins fell, the flowei' of Palestine, 
In Ramath-lechi famous to this day. 

Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore 
The gates of Azza, post, and massy bar. 
Up to the hill by liebi-on, seat of giants old, 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 355 

No journey of a sabbath-clay, and loaded so ; 

Like whom the Gentiles feign to bear up Heaven. 

Which shall I first bewail, 

Tliy bondage or lost sight, 

Prison within ])rison, 

Inse])arably dark ? 

Thou art become (oh, worst imprisonment !) 

The dungeon of thyself ; thy soul 

(Which men enjoying sight oft without cause complain) 

[niprisoned now indeed, 

If! real darkness of the body dAvells, 

Shut up from outward light 

"JV) ineor])oi-ate with gloomy night ; % 

For inward light, alas ! 

Puts forth no visual beam. 

O mirror of our fickle state, 

Since man on earth unparalleled ! 

The rarer thy example stands, 

]3y how much from the top of wondrous glory, 

Strongest of mortal men. 

To lowest i)itch of abject fortune thou art fallen. 

For him I reckon not in high estate 

Whom long descent of birth 

Or the spliere of fortune raises ; 

But thee whose strength, while virtue was her mate, 

Might have subdued the earth, 

Universally crowned with highest praises. 

SAMSON. 

T hear the sound of words, their sense the air 
Dissolves unjointed ere it reach my ear. 

CHORUS. 

He speaks, let us draw nigh. Matchless in might, 
The glory late of Israel, now the grief ; 
W^e come, thy friends and neighbours not unknown, 
From Eshtaol and Zora's fruitful vale 
To vibit or bewail thee ; or, if better, 
Counsel or consolation we may brmg. 
Salve to thy sores ; apt words have power to swag© 
Th J tumours of a troubled mind. 
And are as balm to festered wounds. 



356 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

SAMSON. 

Your coming, friends, revives me, for I learn 
Now of m J own experience, not by talk. 
How counterfeit a coin tliey are who friends 
Bear in their superscription (of the most 
I would be understood) : in prosperous days 
They swarm, but iu adverse withdraw their head, 
Not to be found, though sought. Ye see, O friends, 
How many evils have enclosed me round ; 
Yet that which was the worst now least afflicts me, 
Blindness, for had I sight, confused with shame, 
How could I once look up, or heave the head, 
Who like a foolish pilot have shipwrecked 
My vessel trusted to me from above, 
Gloriously rigged ; and for a word, a tear, 
Fool ! have divulged the secret gift of God 
To a deceitful woman ? Tell me, friends, 
Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool 
In every street ? Do they not say. How well 
Are come upon him his deserts? Yet why? 
Immeasurable strength they might behold 
In me, of wisdom nothing more than mean ; 
This with the other should, at least, have paired. 
These two proportioned ill drove me transverse, 

CHORUS. 

Tax not divine disposal ; wisest men 
Have erred, and by bad women been deceived ; 
And shall again, pretend they ne'er so wise. 
Deject not then so overmuch thyself. 
Who hast of sorrow thy full load besides ; 
Yet truth to say, I oft have heard men wonder 
Why thou shouidst wed Philistian women rather 
Than of thine own tribe fairer, or as fair, 
At least of thy own nation, and as noble. 

SAMSON, 

The first I saw at Tirana, and she pleased 
Me, not my parents, that I sought to wed 
The daughter of an infidel: they knew not 
That what I motioned was of God ; I knew 
From intimate impulse, and therefore urged 



SAMSOX AGONISTES. 857 

The marriac^o on ; thnt by occasion hence 

I miglit begin Israel's deliverance, 

The work to wliich I was divinely called. 

She proving false, the next I took to wife 

(Oh that I never had ! fond wish too late) 

Was in the vale of Sorec, Dalila, 

That specious monster, my accomplished snare. 

I thought it lawful from my former act, 

And the same end ; still watching to oppress 

IsraePs o])pressors : of what now I suffer 

She was not the prime cause, but I myself, 

Who vanquished w^ith a peal of words (Oh weakness I) 

Gave up my fort of silence to a woman. 

CHORUS. 

In seeking just occasion to provoke 
The Philistine, thy country's enemy, 
Thou never wast remiss, I bear thee witness : 
Yet Israel still serves with all his sons. 

SAMSON. 

That fault I take not on me, but transfer 
On Israel's governors, and heads of tribes. 
Who seeing those great acts, which God had done 
Singly by me against their conquerors, 
AcknoAvledged not, or not at all considered 
Deliverance offered : I, on the other side, 
Used no ambition to commend my deeds. 
The deeds themselves, though mute, spoke loud the doeri 
But they persisted deaf, and would not seem 
To count them things worth notice, till at length 
Their lords, the Pliilistines, with gathered powers, 
Entered Judea seeking me, who then 
Safe to the rock of Etham was retired, 
Not flying, but forecasting in what place 
To set upon them, what advantaged best: 
Meanwhile the men of Judah, to prevent 
The harass of their land, beset me round ; 
I willingly on some conditions came 
Into their hands, and they as gladly yield me 
To the uncircumcised a welcome prey. 
Bound with two cords ; but cords to me were threads 
Touched with the flame : on their whole host I flow 



858 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

Unamied, and with a trivial weapon felled 
Tlieir clioiccst youth ; they only lived who fled. 
Had Judah thnt day joined, or one whole tribe, 
They had by this possessed the tow^ei's of Gath, 
And lorded over them whom now they serve. 
But what more oft in nations grown corrupt, 
And by their vices brought to servitude, 
Than to love bondage more than liberty, 
Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty; 
And to despise, or envy, or suspect 
Whom God hath of his special favour raised 
As their deliverer ; if he aught begin. 
How frequent to desert him, and at last 
To heap ingratitude on worthiest deeds ? 

CHORUS. 

Thy words to my remembrance bring 
How Succoth and the foi't of Penuel 
Their great deliverer contemned, 
The matchless Gideon in pursuit 
Of Madian and her vanquished kings : 
And how ingrateful Ephraim 
Had dealt with Jephtha, who by argument, 
Not worse than by his shield and spear, 
Defended Israel from the Ammonite, 
Had not his prowess quelled their pride 
In that sore battle, when so many died 
Without reprieve, adjudged to death 
For want of well pronouncing Shibboleth. 

SAMSOX. 

Of such examples add me to the roll. 
Me easily indeed mine may neglect. 
But God's proposed deliverance not so. 
CHORUS. 

Just are the ways of God, 
And justifiable to men ; 
Unless there be who think not God at all : 
If any be, they walk obscure ; 
For of such doctrine never was there schooi, 
But the heart of the fool. 
And no man therein doctor but himself. 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 359 

Yet more there be who doubt his ways not just, 
As to his own edicts found contradicting, 
Then give the reins to wandering thought, 
Regardless of his glory's diminution ; 
Till by their own perplexities involved 
They revel more, still less resolved. 
But never find self-satisfying solution. 

As if they would confine the Interminable, 
And tie him to his own prescript, 
Who made our laws to bind us, not himself. 
And hath full right to exempt 
Whom so it pleases him by choice 
From national obstriction, without taint 
Of sin, or legal debt ; 
For with his own laws he can best dispense. 

He would not else who never wanted means, 
Nor in respect of the enemy just cause 
To set his people free. 
Have prompted this heroic Nazarite, 
Against his vow of strictest purity, 
To seek in marriage that fallacious bride, 
Unclean, unchaste. 

Down reason then, at least vain reasonings down. 
Though reason here aver 
That moral verdict quits her of unclean : 
Unchaste was subsequent — her stain, not his. 

But see, here comes thy reverend sire 
With careful step, locks white as down, 
Old Manoah : advise 
Forthwith how thou oughtst to receive him. 

SAMSON. 

Ay me ! another inward grief awaked 
With mention of that name renews the assault, 

MANOAH. 

Brethren and men of Dan, for such ye seem. 
Though in this uncouth place ; if old respect. 
As I sui)})0se, towards your once gloried friend, 
My son now captive, hither hath informed 
Your younger feet ; while mine, cast back with age, 
Came lagging after ; say if he be liere. 



860 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

CHOKUS. 

As signal now in low dejected state, 
As erst in highest, behold him where he lies. 

MANOAH. 

Oh, miserable change! is this the man, 
That invincible Samson, far renowned. 
The di-ead of Israel's foes, who with a strengtl* 
Equivalent to angels walked their streets. 
None offering fight ; who single combatant 
Duelled their armies ranked in proud array, 
Himself an army, now unequal match 
To save himself against a coward armed 
At one spear's length. Oh, ever-failing trust 
In mortal strength ! and oh, what not in man 
Deceivable and vain ? Nay, what thing good 
Prayed for, but often proves our woe, our bane ? 
I prayed for children, and thought barrenness 
In wedlock a reproach ; I gained a son. 
And such a son as all men hailed me happy ; 
Who would be now a father in ray stead ? 
Oh, wherefore did God grant me my request, 
And, as a blessing, with such pomp adorned? 
Why are his gifts desirable, to tempt 
Our earnest prayers, then given with solemn hand 
As graces, draw a scorpion's tail behind ? 
For this did the angel twice descend ? for this 
Ordained thy nurture holy, as of a plant 
Select, and sacred, glorious for a while, 
The miracle of men ; then in an hour 
Ensnared, assulted, overcome, led bound. 
Thy foes' derision, captive, poor, and blind, 
Into a dungeon thrust, to work with slaves ? 
Alas ! methinks whom God hath chosen once 
To worthiest deeds, if he through frailty err, 
He should not so o'erwhelm, and as a thrall 
Subject him to so foul indignities. 
Be it but for honour's sake of former deeds. 

SAMSON. 

Appouit not heavenly disposition, father; 
Nothing of all these evils hath befallen me 



1 



SAMSON AGONTSTES. 001 

But justly ; I myself have brought them on, 

Sole author I, sole cause : if aught seem vile, 

As vile hath been my folly, who have ])rofane(l 

The mystery of God given me under pledge 

Of vow, and have betrayed it to a woman, 

A Canaanite, my faithless enemy. 

This well I knew, nor was at all surprised, 

But warned by oft experience : did not she 

Of Timna first betray me, and reveal 

The secret wrested from me in her height 

Of nu})tial love professed, carrying it straight 

To them who had corrupted her, my spies. 

And rivals ? In this other was there found 

More faith, wdio also in her prime of love. 

Spousal embraces, vitiated with gold, 

Though offered only, by the scent conceived 

Her spurious first-born, treason against me ? 

Thi-ice she assayed with flattering pi-ayers and sighs, 

And amorous rei)roaches, to win from me 

My capital secret, in what ])art my strength 

Lay stored, in what part summed, that she might kLOWJ 

Thrice I deluded her, and turned to sport 

Her importunity, each time perceiving 

How openly, and with what impudence 

She ])urposed to betray me, and (which was worse 

Than undissembled hate) with what contempt 

Slie sought to make me traitor to myself ; 

Yet the fourth time, whenmustering all her wales, 

With blandished parleys, feminine assaults, 

Tougue-batteries, she sui-ceased not day nor night 

To storm me over-watched, and wearied out, 

At times when men seek most repose and rest, 

I yielded, and unlocked her all my heart, 

Who with a grain of manhood well resolved 

Might easily have shook off all her snares : 

But foul effeminacy held me yoked 

Her bond-slave ; oh, indignity ! oh, blot 

To honour and religion ! servile mind 

Rewarded well w^ith servile punishment I 



302 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

The "base degree to which I now am fallen, 
These rags, this grinding, is not yet so base 
As was my former servitude, ignoble, 
Unmanly, ignominious, infamous, 
True slavery, and that blindness worse than this. 
That saw not how degenerately I served. 

MAXOAH. 

I cannot praise thy marriage choices, son ; 
Rather approved theni,. not ; but thou didst plead 
Divine impulsion prompting how thou might'st 
Find some occasion to infest our foes. 
I state not that ; this I am sure, our foes 
Found soon occasion thereby to make thee 
Their captive, and their triumph ; thou the sooner 
Temptation found'st, or over-potent charms 
To violate the sacred trust of silence 
Deposited within thee; which, to have kept 
Tacit, was in thy power: true, and thou bear'st 
Enough, and more, the burden of that fault ; 
Bitterly hast thou paid, and still art paying 
■That rigid score. A worse thing yet remains; 
This day the Philistines a popular feast 
Here celebrate in Gaza ; and ])roclaim 
Great pomp, and sacrifice, and praises loud 
To Dagon, as their god who hath delivered 
Thee, Samson, bound and blind into their hands, 
Them out of thine, vvdio slew'st them many a slain. 
So Dagon shall be magnified, and God, 
Besides whom is no God, coii^pared with idols, 
Disglorified, blasphemed, and had in scorn 
By tlie idolatrous rout amidst their wine ; 
Which to have come to pass by means of thee, 
Samson, of all thy sufferings think the heaviest, 
Of all reproach the most with shame that ever 
Could have befallen thee and thy father's house. 

SAMSON. 

Father, I do acknowledge and confess 
That I this honour, I this pomp have brought 
To Dagon, and advanced his praises high 
Among tlie heathen round ; to God have brought 



SAMSON AGONtSTES. 363 

Dishonour, obloquy, and ojed the mouths 

Of idohsts and atheists ; have brought scandal 

To Israel, diffidence of God, and doubt 

In feeble hearts, propense enough before ^. 

To waver, or fall off and join with idols ; 

Which is my chief afftiction, shame, and sorrow, 

The anguish of my soul, that suffers not 

Mine eye to harbour sleep, or thoughts to rest. 

This only hope relieves me, that the strife 

With me hath end ; all the contest is now 

'Tvvixt God and Dagon ; Dagon hath presumed, 

Me overthrown, to enter lists with God, 

His deity comparing and preferring 

Before the 'God of Abraham. He, be sure, 

Will not connive, or linger, thus provoked, 

But will arise and his great name assert : 

Dagon must stoop, and shall ere long receive 

Such a discomfit, as shall quite despoil him 

Of all these boasted trophies won on me, 

And with confusion blank his worshippers. 

MANOAII. 

With cause this hope relieves thee, and these words 
I as a prophecy receive ; for God, 
Nothing more certain, will not long defer 
I'o vindicate the glory of his name 
Against all comj)etition, nor will long 
Endure it doubtful whether God be Lord, 
Or Dagon. But for thee what shall be done? 
Thou must not in the mean while here forgot 
Lie in this miserable loathsome ]:>light. 
Neglected. I already have made way 
To some Philistian lords, with whom to treat 
About thy ransom : well they may by this 
Have satisfied their utmost of revenge 
By pains and slaveries, worse than death, inflicted 
On thee, who now no more canst do them harm. 

SAMSON. 

Spare that proposal, father, spare the trouble 
Of that solicitation ; let me hei-e, 
As I deserve, pay on my punishment; 



364 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

And expiate, if possible, my crime, 
Shameful garrulity. To have revealed 
Secrets of men, tlie secrets of a friend, 
How heinous had the fact been, how deserving 
Contempt and scorn of all, to be excluded 
All fi-iendship, and avoided as a blab, 
The mark of fool set on his front ! But I 
God's counsel have not kept, his holy secret 
Presumptuously have published, impiously, 
Weakly at least, and shamefully ; a sin 
That Gentiles in tlieir parables condemn 
To their abyss and horrid pains confined, 

MANGA H. 

Be penitent and for thy fault contrite, 
But act not in thy own affliction, son ; 
Repent the sin, but if the punishment 
Thou canst avoid, self-preservation bids; 
Or the execution leave to high disposal, 
And let another hand, not thine, exact 
Thy penal forfeit from thyself ; perhaps 
God will relent, and quit thee all his debt; 
Who ever more approves and more accepts 
(Best pleased with humble and filial submission) 
Him who imploring mercy sues for life, 
Th^an who self-rigorous chooses death as due; 
Which argues over-just, and self-disj)l eased 
For self-offence, more than for God offended. 
Reject not then what offered means ; who knowi 
But God hath set before us, to return thee 
Home to thy countiy and his sacred house, 
Where thou mayst bring thy offerings, to avert 
His further ire, with prayers and vows renewed ? 

SAirSON. 

His pardon I implore ; but as for life, 
To what end should I seek it ? when in strength 
All mortals I excelled, and great in hopes 
With youthful courage and magnanimous thought! 
Of birth from Heaven foretold and liigh exploits, 
Full of divine instinct, after some proof 
Of acts indeed heroic, far -beyond 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 365 

The sons of Anak, famous now and blazed, 
Fearless of danger, like a petty god 
I walked about admired of all, and dreaded 
On hostile ground, none daring my affront. 
Then swollen with pride into the snare I fell 
Of fair fallacious looks, venereal trains, 
Softened with pleasure and voluptuous life ; 
At length to lay my head and hallowed pledge 
Of all my strength in the lascivious lap 
Of a deceitful concubine, who shore me 
Like a tame wether, all my precious fleece, 
Then turned me out ridiculous, despoiled, 
Shaven, and disarmed among mine enemies, 
CHORUS. 

Desire of wine and all delicious drinks, 
Which many a famous warrior overturns. 
Thou couldst repress, nor did the dancing ruby 
Sparkling, out-poured, the flavour, or tke smell. 
Or taste that cheers the heart of gods and men, 
Allure thee from the cool crystalline stream. 
samso:n". 

Wherever fountain or fresh current flowed 
Against the eastern ray, translucent, pure, 
With touch ethereal of Heaven's fiery rod, 
I drank, from the clear milky juice allaying 
Thirst, and refreshed : nor envied them the grape 
Whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes. 

CHOKUS. 

Oh ! madness, to think use of strongest wines 
And strongest drinks our chief support of health, 
When God with these forbidden made choice to rear 
His mighty champion, strong above compare, 
Whose drink was only from the liquid brook. 

SAMSOX. 

But what availed this temperance, not complete 
Against another object more enticing? 
What boots it at one gate to make defence. 
And at another to let in the foe. 
Effeminately v<^nquished ? by which means, 
Now blind, disheartened, shamed, dishonoured, quelled, 



866 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

To wliat can I be useful, wherein serve 

My nation, and the work from Heaven imposed, 

But to sit idle on the household hearth, 

A burdenous drone ; to visitants a gaze. 

Or pitied object, these redundant locks 

Robustious to no purpose clustering down, 

Vain monument of strength ; till length of years 

And sedentary numbness craze my limbs 

To a contemptible old age obscure? 

Here rather let me drudge and earn my bread, 

Till vermin or the draff of servile food 

Consume me, and oft-invocated death 

Hasten the welcome end of all my pains. 

MANOAH. 

Wilt thou then serve the Philistines with that gift 
Which was expressly given thee to annoy them ? 
Better at home lie bed-rid, not only idle. 
Inglorious, unem}:)4!oyed, with age outworn. 
But God, who caused a fountain at thy prayer 
From tlie dry ground to spring, thy thirst to allay 
After the brunt of battle, can as easy 
Cause light again v/ithin thy eyes to spring, 
Wherewith to serve him better than thou hast; 
And I persuade me so ; why else this strength 
Miraculous yet remaining in those locks? 
His might continues in thee not for nought. 
Nor shall his wondrous gifts be frustrate thus. 

SAMSON. 

All otherwise to me my thoughts portend. 
That these dark orbs no more shall treat with ligllt, 
Nor the other light of life continue long. 
But yield to double darkness nigh at hand : 
So much I feel my genial spirits droop, 
My hopes all flat, nature within me seems 
In all her functions weary of herself, 
My race of glory run, and race of shame. 
And I shall shortly be with them that rest. 

MANOAH. 

Believe not these suggestions, which pr(^ceed 
Fi'om anguish of the mind and liumours l)lack, 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 367 

That mingle with thy fancy. I, however, 
Must not omit a father's timely care 
To jDrosecute the means of thy deliverance 
By ransom, or how else : meanwhile be calm, 
And healing w^ords from these thy frierds admit. 

SAMSON. 

Oh, thnt torment should not be confined 
To the body's wounds and sores, 
With maladies innumerable 
In heart, head, breast, and reins ; 
But must secret passage find 
To the inmost mind, 
There exercise all his fierce accidents, 
And on her purest spirits prey, 
As on entrails, joints and limbs. 
With answerable pains, but more intense, 
Tliough void of corpoi-al sense ! 

My griefs not only pain me 
As a lingering disease. 
But, finding no redress, ferment and rage, 
Nor less than wounds immedicable 
Rankle, and fester, and gangrene. 
To black mortification. 

Thoughts my tormentors armed with deadly stiogs 
Mangle my apjjrehensive tenderest parts. 
Exasperate, exulcerate, and raise 
Dire inflammation, which no cooling herb 
Or medicinal liquor can assuage. 
Nor breath of vernal air from snowy Alp. 
Sleep hath forsook and given me o'er 
To death's benumbing opium as my only cure: 
These fnintings, swoonings of despair. 
And sense of Heaven's desertion. 

I was his nurseling once, and choice delight ; 
His destined from the womb. 
Promised by heavenly message twice descending, 
Under his special eye 

Abstemious I grew up and thrived amain ; 
He led me on to mightiest deeds 
Above the nerve of mortal arm 



368 SAArso?^ agonistes. 

Against the uncircumcised, our enemies ; 

But now hath cast me off as never known, 

And to those cruel enemies, 

Whom I by his appointment had provoked, . 

Left me all helpless with the irreparable loss 

Of sight, reserved alive to be repeated 

The subject of their cruelty or scorn. 

Nor am I in the list of them that hope ; 

Hopeless are all my evils, all remediless; 

This one prayer yet remains, might I be heard, 

No long petition^ speedy death. 

The close of all my miseries, and the balm. 

CHORUS. 

Many are the sayings of the wise 
In ancient and in modern books enrolled, 
Extolling patience as the truest fortitude ; 
And to the bearing well of all calamities, 
All chances incident to man's frail life, 
Consolatories writ 

With studied argument, and much persuasion sought 
Lenient of grief and anxious thought : 
But with the afflicted in his pangs their sound 
Little prevails, or rather seems a tune 
Harsh, lud of dissonant mood from his complaint} 
L^'nless he feel witliin 
Some source of consolation from above, 
Secret refreshings, that repair his strength, 
And fainting s|)ii'its uphold. 

God of our fathers ! what is man, 
That thou towards liim with hand so various. 
Or might I say contrarious, 

Temperest thy providence through his short courae, 
Not evenly, as thou rul'st 

The angelic orders and inferior creatures mute, 
Irrational and brute. 

Nor do I name of men the common rout, 
Tliat wandering loose about 
Grow u]) and perish, as the summer fly, 
Heads without name no more remembered, 
But such as thou hast solemnly elected, 



SAMSOX AGOXISTES. 369 

With gifts and graces eminently adorned, 

To some great work, thy glory, 

And people's safety, which in part they effect: 

Yet toward these thus dignified, thou oft, 

Amidst their height of noon, 

Changest thy countenance, and thy hand with no regard 

Of highest favours i)ast 

From thee on them, or them to thee of service. 

Nor only dost degrade them, or remit 
To life obscured, which were a fair dismission, 
But throw'st them lower than thou didst exalt them high, 
Unseemly falls in human eye. 
Too grievous for the trespass or omission ; 
Oft leav'st them to the hostile sword 
Of heathen and profane, their carcases 
To dogs and fowls a prey, or else captived ; 
Or to the unjust tribunals, under change of times, 
And condemnation of the ungrateful multitude. 
If these they 'scape, perhaps in poverty 
With sickness and disease thou bow'st them down, 
Painful diseases and deformed, 
In crude old age ; 

Though not disordinate, yet causeless suffering 
The punishment of dissolute days : in fine, 
Just or unjust alike seem miserable. 
For oft alike both come to evil end. 

So deal not with this once thy glorious champion, 
The image of thy strength, and mighty minister. 
What do I beg? How hast thou dealt already? 
Behold him in this state calamitous, and turn 
His labours, for thou canst, to peaceful end. 

But who is this ? what thing of sea or land ? 
Female of sex it seems, 
That so bedecked, ornate, and gay, 
Comes this way sailing 
Like a stately ship 
Of Tarsus, bound for the isles 
Of Javan or Gadire, 

With all her bravery on, and tackle trim. 
Sails filled, and streamers waving, 

24 



I 
870 SAMSOIS- AGONISTES. ' 

Courted by all the winds that hold them play, 
An nraber scent of odorous ])erfunie 
Her harbinojer, a damsel train behind ; 
Snme rich Pliilistian matron she may seem, 
And now, at nearer view, no other certain 
Than Dalila thy wife. 

SAMSON. 

My wife, my traitress ! let her not come near me. 

CHORUS. 

Yet on she moves, now stands and eyes thee fixed, 
About to have spoke, but now, with head declined 
Like a fair flower surcharged Avith dew, she weeps, 
And words addressed seem into tears dissolved, 
Wetting the borders of her silken veil : 
But now again she makes address to speak. 

DALILA. 

With doubtful feet and wavering resolution 
I came, still dreading thy displeasure, vSamson, 
Which to have merited, without excuse, 
I cannot but acknowledge ; yet if tears 
May expiate (though the fact more evil drew 
In the perverse event than I foresaw). 
My penance hath not slackened, though my pardon 
No way assured. But conjugal affection, 
Prevailing over fear and timorous doubt. 
Hath led me on, desirous to behold 
Once more thy face, and know of thy estate. 
If aught in my ability may serve 
To lighten what thou sufferest, and appease 
Thy mind with what amends is in my power. 
Though late, yet in some part to recompense 
My rash but more unfortunate misdeed. 

SAMSON. . 

Out, out, hyena ! these are thy wonted arts, 
And arts of every woman false like thee. 
To break all faith, all vows, deceive, betray, 
Then as repentant to submit, beseech. 
And reconcilement move with feigned remorse; 
Confess, and ]n"omise wonders in her change, 
Not truly penitent, but chief to try 



SAMSOX AGO:??"ISTES. 371 

Her husband, how far urged his patience bears, 

His virtue or weakness which way to assail : 

Then with more cautious and instructed skill 

Again transgresses, and again submits ; 

That wisest and best men full oft beguiled, 

With goodness principled not to reject 

The penitent, but ever to forgive, 

Are drawn to wear out miserable days, 

Intangled with a poisonous bosom snake, 

If not by quick destruction soon cut off 

As I by thee, to ages an example. 

DALILA. 

Yet hear me, Samson; not that I endeavour- 
To lessen or extenuate my offence ; 
But that on the other side, if it be weighed 
By itself, with aggravations not surcharged, 
Or else with just allowance counterpoised, 
I may, if possible, thy pardon find 
The easier towards me, or thy hatred less. 
First granting, as I do, it was a weakness 
In me, but incident to all our sex, 
Curiosity, inquisitive, importune 
Of secrets, then, with like infirmity 
To publish them, both common female faults: 
Was it not weakness also to make known 
For importunity, that is for nought, 
Wherein consisted all thy strength and safety? 
To what I did thou show'dst me first the way. 
But I to enemies revealed, and should not : 
Nor shouldst thou have trusted that to woman's frailty: 
Ere I to thee, thou to thyself wast cruel. 
Let weakness then with weakness come to parle, 
So near related, or the same of kind. 
Thine forgive mine; that men may censure thine 
The gentler, if severely thou exact not 
More strength from me, than in thyself was found. 
And what if love, which thou interpret'st hate. 
The jealousy of love, powerful of sway 
In human hearts, nor less in mine towards thee. 
Caused what I did? I saw tliee mutable 



372 sAMSOisr agonistes. 

Of fancy ; feared lest one day thou wouldst leave me 

As her at Timna, sought by all means therefore 

How to endear, and hold thee to me firmest: 

No better way I saw than by importuning 

To learn thy secrets, get into my power 

Thy key of strength and safety : thou wilt say, 

Why then revealed ? I was assured by those 

Who tempted me, that nothing was designed 

Against thee but safe custody, and hold : 

That made for me ; I knew that liberty 

Would draw thee forth to perilous enterprises, 

While I at home sat full of cares and fears, 

Wailing thy absence in my widowed bed ; 

Here I should still enjoy thee day and night, 

Mine and love's prisoner, not the Philistines; 

Whole to myself, unhazarded abroad. 

Fearless at home of partners in my love. 

These reasons in love's law have passed for good. 

Though fond and reasonless to some, perhaps ; 

And love hath oft, well meaning, wrought much woe, 

Yet always pity or pardon hatli obtained. 

Be not unlike all others, not austere 

As thou art strong, inflexible as steel. 

If thou in strength all mortals dost exceed, 

In uncompassionate anger do not so. 

SAMSOX. 

How cunningly the sorceress displays 
Her own transgressions, to upbraid me mine ! 
That malice, not repentance, brought thee hither, 
By this appears : I gave, thou say'st, the example; 
I led the way ; bitter reproach, but true ; 
I to myself was false ere thou to me ; 
Such pardon therefore as I give my folly, 
Take to thy wicked deed ; wliich when thou seest 
Impartial, self-severe, inexorable, 
Thou wilt renounce thy seeking, and much rather 
Confess it feigned : weakness is thy excuse, 
And I believe it ; weakness to resist 
Philistian gold : if weakness may excuse, 
What murderer, what traitor, parricide, 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 373 

Incestuoas, sacrilegious, but may plead it? 

All wickedness is weakness : that plea, therefore, 

With God or man will gain thee no remission. 

But love constrained thee ; call it furious rage 

To satisfy thy lust : love seeks to have love : 

My love how couldst thou hope, who took'st the way 

To raise in me inexpiable hate. 

Knowing, as needs I must, by thee betrayed? 

In vain thou striv'st to cover shame with shame, 

Or by evasions thy crime uncover'st more. 

DALILA. 

Since thou determin'st weakness for no plea 
In man or woman, though to thy own condemning, 
Hear what assaults I had, what snares besides, 
What sieges girt me round, ere I consented ; 
Which might have awed the best resolved of men, 
The constantest, to have yielded without blame. 
It was not gold, as to my charge thou lay'st. 
That wrought with me : thou know'st the magistrate* 
And princes of my country came in person, 
Solicited, commanded, threatened, urged. 
Adjured by all the bonds of civil duty 
And of religion ; pressed how just it was. 
How honourable, how glorious to entrap 
A common enemy, who had destroyed 
Such numbers of our nation : and the priest 
Was not behind, but ever at my ear. 
Preaching how meritorious with the gods 
It would be to ensnare an irreligious 
Dishonourer of Dagon : what had I 
To oppose against such powerful arguments? 
Only my love of thee held long debate, 
And combated in silence all these reasons 
With hard contest : at length that grounded maxim 
So rife and celebrated in the mouths 
Of wisest men, that to the ]niblic good 
Private respects must yield, with grave authority 
Took full possession of me and prevailed ; 
Virtue, as I thought, truth, duty, so enjoining. 



374 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

SAMSON. 

I thought where all thy circling wiles would end, 
In feigned rejjgion, smooth hypocrisy. 
But had thy love, still odiously pretended, 
Been, as it ought, sincere, it would have taught thee 
Far other reasonings, brought forth other deeds. 
I, before all the daughtei'S of my tribe. 
And of ray nation, chose thee from among 
My enemies, loved thee, as too well thou knew'st, 
Too well, unbosomed all my secrets to thee, 
Not out of levity, but overpowered 
By thy request, who could deny thee nothing; 
Yet now am judged an enemy. Why then 
Didst thou at first receive me for thy husband, 
Then, as since then, thy country's foe professed? 
Being once a wife, for me thou wast to leave 
Parents and country; nor was I their subject, 
Nor under their protection, but my own. 
Thou mine, not theirs : if aught against my life 
Thy country sought of thee, it sought unjustly, 
Against tlie law of nature, law of nations. 
No more thy country, but an impious crew 
Of men consi)iring to uphold their state 
By worse than hostile deeds, violating the ends 
For which our country is a name so dear; 
Not therefore to be obeyed. But zeal moved thee; 
To please thy gods thou didst it : gods unable 
To acquit theinselves, and prosecute their foes 
But by ungodly deeds, the contradiction 
Of their own deity, gods cannot be : 
Less therefore to be pleased, obeyed, or feared. 
These false pretexts and varnished colours failing, 
Bare in thy guilt how foul must thou appear! 

DALILA. 

In argument with men a woman ever 
Goes by the worse, whatever be her cause. 

SAMSON. 

For want of words, no doubt, or Lack of breath; 
Witness when I was worried with thy peals. 



SAMSON AGOXISTES. 



375 



DALTLA. 

I was a fool, too rash, and quite mistaken 
In what I tliouo^ht would have succeeded best. 
Let me obtain forgiveness of thee, Samson ; 
Afford me place to sliow what recompense 
Towards thee I intend for what I have misdon©, 
Misguided ; only what remains past cure 
Be.".; not too sensibly, nor still insist 
To afHict thyself in vain : though sight be lost, 
Life yet hath many solaces, enjoyed 
Where other senses want not their delights 
At home in leisure and domestic ease. 
Exempt from many a care and chance to which 
Eyesight exposes daily men abroad. 
I to the lords will intercede, not, doubting 
Their favourable ear, that I may fetch thee 
From forth this loathsome prison-house, to abide 
With me, where my redoubled love and care 
With nursing diligence, to me glad office, 
May ever tend about thee to old age 
With all things grateful cheered, and so supplied, 
That what by me thou hast lost thou least shalt miss, 

SAMSON. 

No, no, of my condition take no care ; 
It fits not ; thou and I long since are twain ; 
Nor think me so unwary or accursed. 
To bring my feet again into the snare 
Where once I have been caught ; I know thy trains 
Though dearly to my cost, thy gins, and toils ; 
Thy fair enchanted cup and warbling charms 
No more on me have power ; their force is nulled, 
So much of adder's wisdom I have learned 
To fence my ear against thy sorceries. 
If in my flower of youth and strength, when all men 
Loved, honoured, feared me, thou alone couldst hate me 
Thy husband, slight me, sell me, and forego me, 
How wouldst thou use me now, blind, and thereby 
Deceivable in most things as a child 
Helpless, thence easily contemned, and scorned, 
And last neglected ! How wouldst thou insult, 



376 SAMhON AGONISTES. 

When I must live uxorious to thy will 

In perfect thraldom ; how again betray me, 

Bearing my words and doings to the lords 

To gloss u])on, and, censuring, frown or smile? 

This jail I count the house of liberty 

To thine, whose doors my feet shall never enter. 

DALILA. 

Let me aj^proach at least, and touch thy hand, 

SAMSON. 

Not for thy life, lest fierce remembraned wake 
My sudden rage to tear thee joint by joint. 
At distance I forgive thee, go with that ; 
Bewail thy falsehood, and the pious works 
It hath brought forth to make thee memorable 
Among illustrious women, faithful wives; 
Cherish thy hastened widowhood with the gold 
Of matrimonial treason : so farewell. 

DALILA. 

I see thou art implacable, more deaf 
To prayers than winds and seas ; yet winds to se98 
Are reconciled at length, and sea to shore : 
Thy anger, unappeasable, still rages, 
Eternal tempest never to be calmed. 
Why do I humble thus myself, and, suing 
For peace, reap nothing but repulse and hate ? 
Bid go with evil omen, and tiie brand 
Of infamy upon my name denounced ? 
To mix with thy concernments I desist 
Henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own. 
Fame, if not double-faced, is double-mouthed, 
And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds; 
On both his wings, one black, the other white, 
Bears greatest names in his wild airy flight. 
My name perhaps among the circumcised 
In Dan, in Judah, and tlie bordering tribes 
To all posterity may stand defamed, 
With malediction mentioned, and the blot 
Of falsehood most un conjugal traduced. 
But in my country where I most desire 
(In Ecron, Gaza, Asdod, and in Gath), 



SAMSON AG0NISTE3. 877 

I shall be named among the famousest 

Of women, sung at solemn festivals, 

Living and dead recorded, who, to save 

Her country from a fierce destroyer, chose 

Above the faith of wedlock bands ; my tomb 

With odours visited and annual flowers ; 

Not less renowned than in Mount Ephraim 

Jael, who with inhospitable guile 

Smote Sisera sleeping through the temples nailod. 

Nor shall I count it heinous to enjoy 

The public marks of honour and reward 

Conferred upon me, for the piety 

Which to my country I was judged to have shown. 

At this who ever envies or repines, 

I leave him to his lot, and like my own. 

CHORUS. 

She's gone, a manifest serpent by her sting 
Discovered in the end, till now concealed. 

SAMSOX. 

So let her go ; God sent her to debase me, 
And aggravate my folly, who committed 
To such a viper his most sacred trust 
Of secresy, my safety, and my life. 
CHORUS. 

Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange poweFf 
After offence returning, to regain 
Love once possessed, nor can be easily 
Kepulsed without much inward passion felt, 
And secret sting of amorous remorse. 

SAMSON. 

Love-quarrels oft in pleasing concord end. 
Not wedlock-treachery endangering life. 

CHORUS. 

It is not virtue, wisdom, valour, wit, 
Strength, comeliness of shape, or amplest merit, 
That woman's love can win or long inherit ; 
But what it is, hard is to say. 
Harrier to hit 

(Which way soever men refer it) ; 
Much like thy riddle, Samson, in one day 
Or seven, though one should musing sit. 



^78 SAMSON AGONISTEg. 

If any of these, or all, the Timiiian bride 
Had not so soon preferred 
Thy paranymph, Av^orthless to thee compared, 
Successor in thy bed, 
Xor both so loosely disallied 
Their nuptials, nor this last so treacherously 
Had shorn the fatal harvest of thy head. 
Is it for that such outward ornament 
Was lavished on their sex, that inward gifts 
Were left for haste unfinished, judgment scant} 
Capacity not raised to apprehend 
Or value what is best 
In choice, but oftest to affect the wrong? 
Or was too much of self-love mixed, 
Of constancy no root infixed. 
That either they love nothing, or not long? 

Whate'er it be, to wisest men and best 
Seeming at first all heavenly under virgin veil. 
Soft, modest, meek, demure. 
Once joined, the contrary she proves, a thorn 
Intestine, far within defensive arms 
A cleaving mischief, in his way to virtue 
Adverse and turbulent, or by her charms 
Draws him awry enslaved 
With dotage, and his sense depraved 
To folly and shameful deeds which ruin ends. 
What pilot so expert but needs must wreck 
Embarked with such a steers-mate at the helm ? 

Favoured of Heaven who finds 
One virtuous rarely found. 
That in domestic good combines; 
Happy that house ! his way to peace is smooth: 
But virtue, which breaks through all opposition. 
And all temptation can remove, 
Most shines, and most is acceptable above. 

Therefore God's universal law 
Gave to the man despotic power 
Over his female in due awe, 
Nor from that right to part an hour, 
Smile she or lour; 
So shall he least confusion draw 



1 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 379 

On his whole life, not swayed 

By female usuri)ation, or dismayed. 

But had we best retire ?~ I see a storm. 

SAMSON. 

Fair days have oft contracted wind and rain. 

CHORUS. 

But this another kind of tempest brings.' 

SAMSON. 

Be less abstruse : my riddling days are past. 
CHORUS. 

Look now for no enchanting voice, nor fear 
The bait of honeyed words: a rougher tongue 
Draws hitherward; I know him by his stride ; 
The gaint Harapha of Gath ; his look 
Haughty as is his pile high-built and proud. 
Comes he in peace ? What wind hath blown him hither 
I less conjecture than wlien fii'St I saw^ 
The sumptuous Dalila floating this way: 
His habit carries peace, his brown defiance. 

SAMSON. 

Or peace or not, alike to me he comes. 

CHORUS. 

His fraught we soon shall know : he now arrives. 

HARAPHA. 

I come not, Samson, to condole thy chance, 
As these i^erhajxs, yet wish it had not been. 
Though for no friendly intent. I am of Gath; 
Men call me Plarapha, of stock renowned 
As Og or Anak, and the Eminis old 
That Kiriathaim held : thou know'st me now, 
If thou at all art known. Much I have heard 
Of thy prodigious might, and feats performed 
Incredible to me ; in this displeased. 
That I was never present on the place 
Of those encounters, where we might have tried 
Each other's force in camp or listed field ; 
And now am come to see of whom such noise 
Hath walked about, and each limb to survey, 
If thy appearance answer loud report. 



380 SAMSON AGOXIbTES. 

SAMSON. 

The way to know were not to see but taste. 

HARAPHA. 

Dost thoii already single me ? I thought 
Gyves and the mill had tamed thee. Oh, that fortune 
Had brought me to the field, where thou art famed 
To have wrought such wonders with an ass's jaw I 
I should have forced thee soon with other arms, 
Or left thy carcass where the ass lay thrown : 
So had the glory of prowess been recovered 
To Palestine, won by a Philistine 
From the unforeskinned race, of whom thou bear'st 
The highest name for valiant acts ; that honour 
Certain to have won by mortal duel from thee, 
I lose, prevented by thy eyes put out. 

SAMSON. 

Boast not of what thou wouldst have done, but do 
What then thou wouldst ; thou seest it in thy hand. 

HARAPIIA. 

To combat with a blind man I disdain, 
And thou hast need much washing to be touched. 

SAMSON. 

Such usage as your honourable lords 
Afford me, assassinated and betrayed. 
Who durst not with their whole united powers 
In fight withstand me single and unarmed. 
Nor in the house with chamber ambushes 
Close-banded durst attack me, no, not sleeping, 
Till they had hired a woman with their gold, 
Breaking her marriage faith to circumvent me. 
Therefore, without feigned shifts, let be assigned 
Some narrow place enclosed, where sight may give thej 
Or rather flight, no great advantage on me ; 
Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet 
And brigandine of brass, thy broad habergeon, 
Vant-brass and greaves, and gauntlet, add thy sj^ear, 
A weaver's beam, and seven-times-folded shield, 
I only with an oaken staff will meet thee, 
And raise such outcries on thy clattered iron, 
Wliich long shall not withhold me from thy head, 



SAJISOX AGOXISTES. 381 

That in a little time while breath remains thee, 
Thou oft shalt wish thyself at Gath, to boast 
Again in safety what thou wouldst have clone 
To Samson, but shalt never see Gath more. 

IIARAPIIA. 

Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms, 
Which greatest heroes have in battle worn, 
Their ornament and safety, had not spells 
And black enchantments, some magician's art, 
Armed thee, or charmed thee strong, wiiich thou from 

Heaven 
Feign'dst at thy birth was given thee in thy hair. 
Where strength can least abide, t]iough all thy hairs 
Were bristles, ranged like those that ridge the back 
Of chafed wild boars, or ruffled j)orcupines. 

SAMSON. 

I know no spells, use no forbidden arts ; 
My trust is in the living God, who gave me 
At my nativity this strength, diffused 
No less through all my sinews, joints, and bones, 
Than thine, while I preserved these locks unshorn. 
The pledge of my unviolated vow. 
For proof hereof, if Dagon be thy god, 
Go to his temple, invocate his aid 
With solemn est devotion, spread before him 
How highly it concerns his glory now 
To frustrate and dissolve these magic spells, 
Which I to be the power of Israel's God 
Avow, and challenge Dngon to the test. 
Offering to combat thee his champion bold, 
With the utmost of his godhead seconded : 
Then thou shalt see, or rather to thy sorrow 
Soon feel, whose God is strongest, thine or mine. 

IIAEAPHA. 

Presume not on thy God, whate'er he be ; 
Thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut off 
Quite from his people, and delivered up 
Into thy enemies' hand, permitted them 
To put out both thine eyes, and fettered send thee 
Into the common prison, there to grind 
Among the slaves and asses, thy comrades, 



382 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

As good for nothing else, no better service 

With tliose thy boisterous locks, no worthy match 

For valor to assail, nor by the sword 

Of noble warrior, so to stain his honour, 

But by the barber's razor best subdued. 

SAMSON. 

All these indignities, for such they are 
From thine, these«evils I deserve and more, 
Acknowledge them from God inflicted on me 
Justly, yet despair not of his final pardon 
Whose ear is ever open, and his eye 
Gracious to re-admit the suppliant ; 
In confidence whereof I once again 
Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight, 
By combat to decide whose God is God, 
Thine or whom I with Israel's sons adore. 

HARAPHA. 

Fair honour that thou dost thy God, in trusting 
He will accept thee to defend his cause, 
A murderer, a revolter, and a robber. 

SAMSON. 

Tongue-doughty giant, how dost thou prove me these ? 

HARAPHA. 

Is not thy nation subject to our lords ? 
Their magistrates confessed it, when they took thee 
As a league-breaker, and delivered bound 
Into our hands : for hadst thou not committed 
Notorious murder on those thirty men 
At Ascalon, who never did thee harm, 
Then, like a robber, strij^pVlst them of their robes? 
The Philistines, when thou hadst broke the league, 
Went up with armed power thee only seeking, 
To others did no violence nor spoil. 

SAMSON. 

Among the daughters of the Philistines 
] chose a wife, which argued me no foe; 
And in your city held my nuptial feast: 
But your ill-meaning politician lords. 
Under pretence of bridal friends and guests, 
Appointed to await me thirty spies, 



SAMSON AGOKISTES. 383 

Who threatening cruel death constrained the bride 

To wring from me and tell to them my secret, 

That solved the riddle which I had j^rojiosed. 

When I perceived all set on enmity, 

As on my enemies, wherever chanced, 

I used hostility, and took their spoil 

To pay my underminers in their coin. 

My nation was subjected to your lords ; 

It was the force of conquest ; force with force 

Is well ejected when the conquered can. 

But I, a private person, whom my country 

As a league-breaker gave up bound, presumed 

Single rebellion, and did hostile acts. 

I was no private, but a person raised 

With strength sufficient and command from Heaven 

To free my country ; if their servile minds 

Me their deliverer sent would not receive, 

But to their masters gave me up for nought, 

The unworthier they ; whence to this day they serveb 

I was to do my part from Heaven assigned, 

And had performed it, if my known offence 

Had not disabled me, not all your force : 

These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant 

Though by his blindness maimed for high attempts, 

Who now defies thee thrice to single fight, 

As a petty enterprise of small enforce. 

HARAPHA, 

With thee ! a man condemned, a slave enrolled, 
Due by the law to capital punishment ? 
To tight with thee no man of arms will deign. 

SAMSON. 

Cam'st thou for this, vain boaster, to survey me, 
To descant on my strength, and give thy verdict ? 
Come nearer, part not hence so slight informed; 
But take good heed my hand survey not thee. 

HARAPIIA. 

O Baal-zebub ! can my ears unused 
Hear these dishonours, and not render death ? 

SAMSON. 

No man withholds thee, nothing from thy hand 



S84 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

Fear I incurable ; bring up thy A^an, 
My heels are fettered, but my fist is free. 

IIAEAPIIA. 

This in-olence other kind of answer fits. 

SAMSOX. 

Go, baffled coward ! lest I run upon thee, 
Though in these chains, bulk without spirit vas^ 
And with one buffet lay thy structure low, 
Or swing thee in the air, then dash thee down 
To the hazard of thy brains and shattered sides. 

HARAniA. 

By Astaroth ! ere long thou shalt lament 
These braveries in irons loaden on thee. 

CHORUS. 

His giantship is gone somewhat crest-fallen, 
Stalking with less unconscionable strides, 
And lower looks, but in a sultry chafe. 

SAMSOX. 

I dread him not, nor all his giant brood, 
Though fame divulge him father of five sons. 
All of gigantic size, Goliah chief. 
CHORUS. 

He will directly to the lords, I fear. 
And with malicious counsel stir them up 
Some way or other yet further to afflict thee. 

SAMSOX. 

He must allege some cause, and offered fight 
Will not dare mention, lest a question rise 
Whether he durst accept the offer or not. 
And that he durst not plain enough appeared. 
Much more affliction than already felt 
They cannot well impose, nor I sustain ; 
If they intend advantage of my labors, 
Tlie work of many hands, which earns "my keeping 
With no small profit daily to my owners. 
But come what will, my deadliest foe will prove 
My speediest friend, by death to rid me hence : 
The worst that he can give, to me the best. 
Yet so it may fall out, because tlieir end 
Is hate, not help to me, it may with mine 
Draw their own ruin who attempt the deed. 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 385 

CHORUS. 

Oh, how comely it is, and how reviving 
To the spirits of just men long oppressed! 
When God into the hands of their deliverer 
Puts invincible might 

To quell the mighty of the earth, the oppressor, 
The brute and boisterous force of violent men 
Hardy and industrious to support 
Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue 
The righteous and all such as honour truth I 
He all their ammunition 
And feats of war defeats 
With plain heroic magnitude of mind 
And celestial vigour armed, 
Their armouries and magazines contemns, 
Renders them useless, while ' 

With winged expedition. 
Swift as the lightning glance, he executes 
His errand on the wicked, who, surprised, 
Lose their defence, distracted and amazed. 

But patience is more oft the exercise 
Of saints, the trial of their fortitude, 
Making them each his own deliverer, 
And victor over all 
That tyranny or fortune can inflict. 
Either of these is in thy lot, 
Samson, with might endued 
Above the sons of men ; but sight bereaved 
May chance to number thee with those 
Whom patience finally must crown. 

This idol's day hath been to thee no day of refit, 
Labouring thy mind 
More than the working day thy hands. 
And yet, perhaps, more trouble is behind, 
For I descry this way 
Some other tending, in his hand 
A sceptre or quaint staff lie bears, 
Comes on amain, speed in liis look. 
By his habit I discern him now 

25 



386 SAMSON AG0NISTE8. 

A public officer, and now at hand. 
His message will be short and voluble. 

OFFICER. 

Hebrews, the prisoner Samson here I seek. 

CHORUS. 

His manacles remark him, there he sits. 

OFFICER. 

Samson, to thee our lords thus bid^e say: 
This day to Dagon is a solemn feast, 
With sacrifices, triumph, pomp, and games ; 
Thy strength they know surpassing human rate, 
And now some public proof thereof require 
To honour this great feast, and great assembly ; 
Rise thei'efore with all speed, and come along, 
Where I will see thee heai'tened and fresh clad, 
To appear as fits before the illustrious lords. 

SAMSON. 

Thou know'st I am an Hebrew, therefore tell them. 
Our law forbids at their religious rites 
My presence ; for that cause I cannot come. 

OFFICER. 

This answer, be assured, will not content them. 

SAMSON. 

Have they not sword-players, and every sort 
Of gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners. 
Jugglers and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics, 
But they must pick me out with shackles tired, 
And over-laboured at their public mill, 
To make them sport with blind activity ? 
Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels 
On my refusal to distress me more. 
Or make a game of my calamities ? 
Return the way thou cam'st, I will not come. 

OFFICER. 

Regard thyself: this wil' offend them highly 

SAMSON. 

Myself? my conscience and internal peace. 
Can they think me so broken, so debased 
With corporal servitude, that my mind ever 
Will condescend to such absurd commands? 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 387 

Although their drudge, to be tlieir fool or jester, 

And in my midst of sorrow and heart-grief 

To show them feats, and play before their god, 

The worst of all indignities, yet on me 

Joined with extreme contempt ? I will not come. 

OFFICER, 

My message was imposed on me with speed, 
Brooks no delay ; is this thy resolution ? 

SAMSON. 

So take it with what speed thy message needs, 

OFFICER, 

I am sorry what this stoutness will produce. 

SAMSON, 

Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed. 

CHORUS. 

Consider, Samson ; matters now are strained 
Up to the heighth, whether to hold or break ; 
He's gone, and who knows how he may report 
Thy words by adding fuel to the flame ? 
Expect another message more imperious, 
More lordly thundering than thou well wilt bear. 

SAMSON, 

Shall I abuse this consecrated gift 
Of strength, again returning with my hair 
After my great transgression ; so requite 
Favour renewed, and add a greater sin 
By prostituting holy things to idols ? 
A Nazarite in place abominable 
Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon ? 
Besides how vile, contemptible, ridiculous, 
What act more execrably unclean, profane ? 

CHORUS. 

Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines 
Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean. 

SAMSON. 

Not in their idol-worship, but by labour 
Honest and lawful to deserve my food 
Of those who have me in tlieir civil power. 

CHORUS. 

Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not. 



388 SAMSON AGONISTES. 



1 



SAMSON. 

Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds. 
But who constrains me to the temple of Dagon, 
Not dragging ? The Philistian lords command ; 
Commands are no restraints. If I obey them, 
I do it freely, venturing to displease 
God for the fear of man, and man prefer, 
Set God behind ; which in his jealousy 
Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness. 
Yet that he may dispense with me or thee 
Present in temples at idolatrous rites 
For soma important cause, thou need'st not doubt. 

CHORUS. 

How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach* 

SAMSON. 

Be of good courage, I begin to feel 
Some rousing motions in me which dispose 
To something extraordinary my thoughts. 
I with this messenger will go along, 
Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour ^ 
Our law, or stain my vow of Nazarite. 
If there be aught of presage in the mind, 
This day will be remarkable in my life 
By some great act, or of my days the last. 

CHORUS. 

In time thou hast resolved, the man returns. 

OFFICER. 

Samson, this second messa'j;e from our lords 
To thee I am bid say. Art thou our slave, 
Our captive, at the public mill our drudge, 
And dar'st thou at our sending and command 
Dispute thy coming ? Come without delay ; 
Or we shall find such engines to assail 
And hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force. 
Though thou wert firmlier fastened than a rock. 

SAMSON. 

I could be well content to try their art, 
Which to no few of them would prove pernicious. 
Yet knowing their advantages too many. 
Because they shall not trail me through their streets 



SAUSON iiGOXISTES. 389 

Like a wild beast, I am content to go. 
Masters' coniniands come witli a power resistless 
To such as owe tliem absolute subjection ; 
And for a life who will not cliange his purpose^ 
(So mutable are all the ways of men) 
Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply 
Scandalous or forbidden in our law. 

OFFICER. 

I praise thy resolution ; doff these links : 
By this compliance thou wilt win the lords 
To favour, and j)erhaps to set thee free. 

SAMSON. 

Brethren, farewell ; your company along 
I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them 
To see me girt w4th friends ; and how the sight 
Of me as of a common enemy, 
So dreaded once, may now exasperate them 
I know not. Lords are lordliest in their wine; 
And the well-feasted priest then soonest fired 
With zeal, if aught religion seem concerned ; 
No less the people on their holy-days 
Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable : 
Happen what may, of me expect to hear 
Nothing dishonourable, impure, unworthy 
Our God, our law, my nation, or myself, 
The last of me or no I cannot warrant. 

CHOKUS. 

Go, and the Holy One 
Of Israel be thy guide 

To what may serve his glory best, and spread his name 
Great among the heathen round ; 
Send thee the angel of thy birth, to stand 
Fast by thy side, who from thy father's field 
Rode up in flames after his message told 
Of thy conception, and be now a shield 
Of fire ; that Spirit that first rushed on thee 
In the camp of Dan 
Be efficacious in thee now at need. 
For never was from Heaven imparted 
Measure of strength so great to mortal seed, 



390 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

As in thy wondrous actions hath been seen. 
But wherefore comes old Manoah in such haste 
With youthful steps ? much livelier than erewhile 
He seems ; supposing here to find his son, 
Or of him bringing to us some glad news? 

MANOAH. 

Peace with you, brethren ; my inducement hither 
Was not at present here to find my son. 
By order of the lords new parted hence 
To come and play before them at their feast. 
I heard all as I came, the city rings, 
And numbers thither flock, I had no will, 
Lest I should see him forced to things unseemly. 
But that which moved my coming now, was chiefly 
To give ye part with me what hope I have 
With good success to work his liberty. 

CHORUS. 

That hope would much rejoice us to partake 
With thee ; say, reverend sire, we thirst to hear. 

MANOAH. 

I have attempted one by one the lords 
Either at home, or through the high street passing. 
With supplication prone and father's tears. 
To accept of ransom for my son their prisoner. 
Some much averse I found and wondrous harsh, 
Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite; 
That part most reverenced Dagon and his priests: 
Others more moderate seeming, but their aim 
P]-ivate reward, for which both god and state 
They easily would set to sale ; a third 
More generous far and civil, who confessed 
They had enough revenged, having reduced 
Their foe to misery beneath their fears, 
The rest was magnanimity to remit. 
If some convenient ransom were proposed. 
What noise or shout was that ? it tore the sky. 

CHORUS. 

Doubtless the people shouting to behold 
Their once great dread, captive and blind before them, 
Or at some proof of strength before them shown. 



SAMSON AGONiSTfiS. SQl 

MANOAH. 

His ransom, if my whole inheritance 
May compass it, shall willingly be paid 
And numbered down : much rather I shall choose 
To live the poorest in my tribe, than richest, 
And he in that calamitous prison left. 
No, I am fixed not to part hence without him. 
For his redemption all my patrimony, 
If need be, I am ready to forego 
And quit : not wanting him, I shall want nothing, 

CHORUS. 

Fathers are wont to lay up for their sons. 
Thou for thy son art bent to lay out all ; 
Sons wont to nurse their parents in old age, 
Thou in old age car'st how to nurse thy son, 
Made older than thy age through eyesight lost. 

MANOAH. 

It shall be my delight to tend his eyes, 
And view him sitting in the house, ennobled 
With all those high exploits by him achieved, 
And on his shoulders waving down those locks, 
That of a nation armed tlie strength contained ; 
And I persuade me God had not permitted 
His strength again to grow up with his hair 
Garrisoned round about him like a camp 
Of faithful soldiery, were not his purpose 
To use him further yet in some great service, 
Not to sit idle with so great a gift 
Useless, and thence ridiculous about him. 
And since his strength with eyesight wag not lostj 
God will restore him eyesight to his strength. 

CHORUS. 

Thy hopes are not ill-founded, nor seem vain 
Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon 
Conceived, agreeable to a father's love, 
In both which we, as next, participate. 

MANOAH. 

I know your friendly minds, and — Oh, what noise I 
Mercy of Heaven ! what hideous noise was that? 
Horribly loud, unlike the former shout. 



892 SAMSON AGONISTKS. 

CHORUS. 

Noise call you it, or universal groan, 
As if the whole inhabitation perished ! 
Blood, death, and deathful deeds are in that noise, 
Ruin, destruction at the utmost point. 

MAJSrOAH. 

Of ruin, indeed, methought I heard the noise : 
Oh ! it continues ; they have slain my son I 

CHORUS. 

Thy son is rather slaying them ; that outcry 
From slaughter of one foe could not ascend. 

MANOAH. 

Some dismal accident it needs must be : 
What shall we do, stay here or run and see? 

CHORUS. 

Best keep together here, lest running thither 
We unawares run into danger's mouth. 
This evil on the Philistines is fallen ; 
From whom could else a general cry be heard? 
The sufferers then will scarce molest us here, 
From other hands we need not much to fear. 
What if his eyesight (for to Israel's God 
Nothing is hard) by miracle restored. 
He now be dealing dole among his foes. 
And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way? 
ma:n^oah. 

That were a joy presumptuous to be thought, 

CHORUS. 

Yet God hath wrought things as incredible 
For his people of old ; what hinders now? 

MANOAH. 

He can, I know, but doubt to think he will ; 
Yet hope would fain subscribe, and tempts belief, 
A little stay will bring some notice hither. 

CHORUS. 

Of good or bad so great, of bad the sooner, 
For evil news rides post, while good news baits. 
And to our wish I see one hither speeding, 
An Hebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe. 



1 



SAMSON AGuNISTES. 
MESSENGER. 

Oh, whither shall I run, or which way fly 
The sight of this so horrid spectacle, 
Which erst my eyes beheld and yet behold ? 
For dire imagination still pursues me. 
But providence or instinct of nature seems, 
Or reason though disturbed, and scarce consulted, 
To have guided me aright, I know not how, 
To thee first, reverend Manoah, and to these 
My countrymen, whom here I knew remaining 
As at some distance from the place of horror, 
So in the sad event too much concerned. 

MANOAH. 

The accident was loud, and here before thee 
With rueful cry, yet what it was' we hear not ; 
No preface needs, thou seest we long to know. 

MESSENGER. 

It would burst forth, but I recover breath 
And sense distract, to know well what I utter. 

MANOAH. 

Tell us the sum ; the circumstance defer. 

MESSENGER. 

Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fallen ; 
All in a moment overwhelmed and fallen. 

MANOAH. 

Sad, but thou know'st to Israelites not saddest, 
The desolation of a hostile city. 

MESSENGER. 

Feed on that first : there may in grief be surfeit. 

MANOAH. 

Relate by whom ? 

MESSENGER. 

By Samson. 

MANOAH. 

• That still lessenB 

The son'0"W, and converts it nigh to joy. 

]NrE£3ENGER. 

Ah ! Manoah, I refrain too suddenly 
To utter what will come at last too soon ; 



394 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

Lest evil tidings with too rude irruption 
Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep. 

MANOAH. 

Suspense in news is torture ; speak them out. 

MESSENGER. 

Take then the worst in brief ; Samson is dead ! 

MANOAH. 

. The worst indeed. Oh, all my hope's defeated 
To free him hence ! but death, who sets all free, 
Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge. 
What windy joy this day had I conceived, 
Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves 
Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring 
Nipped with the lagging rear of winter's frost I 
Yet ere I give the reins to grief, say first. 
How died he ? death to life is crown or shame. 
All by him fell, thou say'st ; by whom fell he ? 
What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound? 

MESSENGER. 

Unwound ed of his enemies he fell. 

MANOAH. 

Wearied with slaughter then, or how ? explain. 

MESSENGER. 

By his own hands. 

MANOAH. 

Self-violence? What cause 
Bi-otight him so soon at variance with himself 
Among his foes? 

MESSENGER. 

Inevitable cause 
At once both to destroy and be destroyed : 
The edifice, where all were met to see him, 
Upon their heads and on his own he pulled. 

MANOAH. 

O lastly over-strong against thyself ! 
A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge. 
More than enough we know ; but while things yet 
Ats in confusion, give us, if thou canst, 
Eye-witness of what first or last was done^ 
Relation more particular and distinct, 



SAMSON AG0NISTE5. 395 

MESSENGER. 

Occasions drew me early to this city, 
And as the gates I entered with sunrise, 
The morning trumpets festival proclaimed 
Through each high street : little I had despatched, 
When all abroad was rumoured that this day 
Samson should be brought forth, to show the people 
Proof of his mighty strength in feats and games ; 
I sorrowed at his captive state, but minded 
Not to be absent at that spectacle. 
The building was a spacious theatre. 
Half round, on two main pillars vaulted high, 
With seats where all the lords and each degree 
Of sort, might sit in order to behold ; 
The other side was open, where the throng 
On banks and scaffolds under sky might stand ; 
I among these aloof obscurely stood. 
The feast and noon grew high, and sacrifice 
Had filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine, 
When to their sports they turned. Immediately 
Was Samson as a public servant brought. 
In their state livery clad : before him pipes 
And timbrels ; on each side went armed guards, 
Both horse and foot ; before him and behind, 
Archers and slingei's, cataphracts and spears. 
At sight of him the people with a shout 
Rifted the air, clamouring their god with praise. 
Who had made their dreadful enemy their thrall. 
He, patient but undaunted, where they led him. 
Came to the place, and what was set before him, 
Which without help of eye might be assayed. 
To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still })erformed 
All with incredible, stupendous force. 
None daring to appear antagonist. 
At length for intermission sake they led him 
Between the pillars ; he his guide requested 
(For so from such as nearer stood we heard), 
As overtired, to let him lean awhile 
With both his arms on those two massy pillars, 
That to the arched roof gave main support. 



396 SAMSON AGONISTES. 

He, unsuspicious, led him ; which when Samson 

Felt in his arms, with head awhile inclined, 

And eyes fast fixed, he stood, as one who prayed, 

Or some great matter in his mind revolved : 

At last, with head erect, thus cried aloud : 

" Hitherto, lords, what your commands imposed 

I have performed, as reason was, obeying, 

Not without w^onder or delight beheld : 

Now, of my own accord, such other trial 

I mean to show you of my strength, yet greater; 

As with amaze shall strike all who behold." 

This uttered, straining all his nerves he bowed, 

As with the force of wdnds and waters j^ent, 

When mountains tremble, those two massy pillars 

With horrible convulsion to and fro 

He tugged, he shook, till down they came and dr&w 

The whole roof after them, with burst of thunder, 

Upon the heads of all who sat beneath. 

Lords, ladies, captains, counsellors, or priests. 

Their choice nobility and flower, not only 

Of this but each Philistian city round 

Met from all parts to solemnize this feast. 

Samson, with these immixed, inevitably 

Pulled down the same destruction on himself; 

The vulgar only 'scaped who stood without. 

CHORUS. 

Oh, dearly bought revenge, yet glorious ! 
Living or dying thou hast fulfilled 
The work for which thou wast foretold 
To Israel, and now liest victorious 
Among thy slain, self-killed, 
Not willingly, but tangled in the fold 
Of dire necessity, whose law in death conjoined 
Thee with thy slaughtered foes in number more 
Than all thy life had slain before. 

SEMICHORUS. 

While their hearts were jocund and sublime, 
Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine. 
And fat regorged of bulls and goats. 
Chanting their idol, and preferring 



SAMSON AGONISTES, 39t 

Before our living Dread who dwells 

In Silo, his bright sanctuary ; 

Among them he a spirit of frenzy senty 

Who hurt their minds, 

And urged them on with mad desire 

To call in haste for their destroyer ; 

They, only set on sport and j)lay, 

Unweetingly importuned 

Their own destruction to come speedy upon them* 

So fond are mortal men, 

Fallen into wrath divine, 

As their own ruin on themselves to invite, 

Insensate left, or to sense reprobate, 

And with blindness internal struck. 

SEMICHORTJS. 

But he, though blind of sight, 
Despised and thought extinguished qnitGi 
With inward eyes illuminated, 
His fiery virtue roused 
From under ashes into sudden flame ; 
And as an evening dragon came, 
Assailant on the perched roosts, 
And nests in order ranged 
Of tame villatic fowl ; but as an eagle 
His cloudless thunder bolted on their heads 
So virtue given for lost, 
Depressed, and overthrown, as seemed, 
Like that self-begotten bird, 
In the Arabian woods imbost, 
That no second knows nor third. 
And lay erewhile a holocaust, 
From out her ashy womb now teemed, 
Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous most 
When most unactive deemed, 
And though her body die, her fame survives, 
A secular bird, ages of lives. 

MANOAH. 

Come, come ! no time for lamentation now ; 
Nor much more cause ; Samson hath quit himself 
Like Samson, and heroically hath finished 



898 SAMSON AGONISTEg. 

A life heroic, on his enemies 

Fully revenged, liath lift them years of mourning 

And lamentation to the sons of Caplitor 

Through all Philistian bounds ; to Israel 

Honour hath left, and freedom, let but them * 

Find courage to lay hold on this occasion ; 

To himself and father's house eternal fame; 

And which is best and happiest yet, all this 

With God not parted from him, as was feared, 

But favouring and assisting to the end. 

Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail 

Or knock the breast ; no weakness, no contempt, 

Dispraise, or blame ; nothing but w^ell and fair, 

And what may quiet us in a death so noble. 

Let us go find the body where it lies 

Soaked in his enemies' blood ; and from the stream. 

With lavers pure, and cleansing herbs, wash off 

The clotted gore. I with what speed, the while 

(Gaza is not in plight to say us nay) 

Will send for all my kindred, all my friends, 

To fetch him hence, and solemnly attend 

With silent obseqny and funeral train 

Home to his father's house : there will I build, him 

A monument, and plant it round with shade 

Of laurel ever green, and branching palm. 

With all his trophies hung, and acts enrolled 

In copious. legend, or sweet lyric song. 

Thither shall all the valiant youth resort, 

And from his memory inflame their breasts 

To matchless valour, and adventures high ; 

The virghis also shall, on feastful days, 

Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailing 

His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice. 

From whence captivity and loss of eyes. 

CHORUS. 

All is best, though we oft doubt. 
What the unsearchable dispose 
Of highest wisdom brings about, 
And ever best found in the close. 
Oft he seems to hide his face. 



SAMSON AGONISTES. 399 

But unexpectedly returns, 

And to his faithful champion hath in place 

Bore witness gloriously ; whence Gaza mourns, 

And all that band them to resist 

His uncontrollable intent ; 

His servants he, with new acquist 

Of true experience from this great event, 

With peace and consolation hath dismissed, 

And calm of mind all passion spe^^*. 



^nemH nu general dDrtaEtniiB. 



" Baccare frontem 
CStsgite, ne vati noceat mala lingua f uturo. 

ViBGiL, Eclog. 7* 



L 

AKNO ^TATIS XYH. 

OK THE DEATH OF A FAIE INFANT DYING OP A COUGH. 



O FAIREST flower ! no sooner blown but blasted, 
Soft silken primrose fading timelessly, 
Summer's chief honour, if thou hadst out-lasted 
Bleak Winter's force that made thy blossom dry ; 
For he being amorous on that lovely dye 

That did thy cheek envermeil, tliought to kiss, 
But killed, alas ! and then bewailed his fatal bliss. 

II. 

For since grim Aquilo, his charioteer. 
By boisterous rape the Athenian damsel got, 
He thought it touched his deity full near, 
If likewise he some fair one wedded not. 
Thereby to wipe away the infamous blot 

Of long-uncoupled bed, and childless eld. 
Which 'mongst the wanton gods a foul reproach was 
held. 

(400) 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASION'S. 401 

III. 

So mounting up in icy-pearled car, 
Through middle empire of the freezing air 
He wandered long, till thee he spied from far; 
There ended was his quest, there ceased his care. 
Down he descended from his snow-soft chair, 
But all unwares with his cold-kind embrace 
Unhoused thy virgin soul from her fair biding place. 

IV. 

Yet art thou not inglorious in thy fate ; 
For so Apollo, with unweeting hand, 
Whilome did slay his dearly-loved mate, 
Young Hyacinth, born on Eurotas' strand, 
Young Hyacinth, the pride of Spartan land ; 

But then transformed him to a ])urple flower: 
Alack ! that so to change thee Winter had no power* 

V. 

Yet can I not persuade me thou art dead, 

Or that thy corse cori-upts in earth's dark womb, 

Or that thy beauties lie in wormy bed. 

Hid from the world in a low-delved tomb; 

Could Heaven for pity be so strictly doom? 

Oh, no ! for something in thy face did shine 
Above mortality, that showed thou wast divine. 

VI. 

Resolve me then, O soul most surely blest ! 
(If so it be that thou these plaints dost hear) ; 
Tell me, bright spirit, where'er thou hoverest, 
Whether above that high first-moving sphere, 
Or in the Elysian fields (if such there were) ; 
Oh, say me true, if tliou wert moral wight, 
And why from us so quickly thou didst take thy flight? 

VII. 

Wert thou some star whiph from the ruined roof 
Of shaked Olympus by mischance didst fall; 
Which careful Jove in nature's true behoof 
Took up, and in fit place did reinstal ? 
Or did of late earth's sons besiege the wall 

Of sheeny Heaven, and thou some goddess fled 
Amongst us here below to hide thy nectared head ? 

26 



402 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

VIII. 

Or wert thou that just maid who once before 

Forsook the hated earth, oh, tell me sooth ! 

And cam'st again to visit us once more ? 

Or wert thou that sweet smiling youth ? 

Or that crowned matron sage, white-robed Truth? 

Or any other of that heavenly brood 
Let down in cloudy throne to do the world some good ? 

IX. 

Or wert thou of the golden-winged host, 
Who, having clad thyself in human weed, 
To earth from thy prefixed seat didst host, 
And after short abode fly back with speed. 
As if to show what creatures Heaven doth breed, 

Thereby to set the hearts of men on fire. 
To scorn the sordid world, and unto Heaven aspire? 

X. 

But oh ! why didst thou not stay here below 
To bless us with thy Heaven-loved innocence, 
To slake his wrath whom sin hath made our foe, 
To turn swift-rushing black perdition hence. 
Or drive away the slaughtering pestilence, 'jiMj^l 

To stand 'twixt us and our deserved smart? ^^^m 

But thou canst best perform that oflice where thou art. 

XI. 

Then thou, the mother of so sweet a child, 
Her false imagined loss cease to lament. 
And wisely learn to curb thy sorrows wild ; 
Think what a present thou to God hast sent, 
And render him with patience what he lent ; 

This if thou do, he will an offspring give. 
That till the world's last end shall make thy name to live. 



II. 
ANNO ^TATIS XIX. 

[At a vacation exercise in the College, part Latin, part English. The 
Latin si^eeches ended, the English thus began.] 

HaiL; native language! that by sinews weak 
Didst move my first endeavouring tongue to speak. 



tOEMfe ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 403 

And mad'st im|3erfect words with cLildish trips, 

Half unproiiounced, slide through my infant lips, 

Driving dumb silence from the portal door, 

Where he had mutely sat two years before : 

Here I salute thee, and thy pardon ask, 

That now I use tliee in my latter task : 

Small loss it is that thence can come unto thee, 

I know my tongue but little grace can do thee : 

Thou need'st not be ambitious to be first. 

Believe me I have thither packed the worst ; 

And, if it happen as I did forecast, 

The daintiest dishes shall be served up last. 

I pray thee then deny me not thy aid 

For this same small neglect that I have made ; 

But haste thee straight to do me once a pleasure, 

And from thy wardrobe bring thy chiefest treasuiCj 

Not those ncAv-fangled toys and trimming slight 

Which takes our late fantastics with delight. 

But cull those richest robes and gay'st attire 

Which deepest spirits and choicest wits desire. 

I have some naked thoughts that rove about, 

And loudly knock to have their passage out; 

And, weary of their place, do only stay 

Till thou hast decked them in thy best array, 

That so they may, without suspect or fears, 

Fly swiftly to this fair assembly's ears ; 

Yet I had rather, if I were to choose. 

Thy service in some graver subject use, 

Such as may make thee search thy coffers round, 

Before thou clothe my fancy in fit sound : 

Such where the deep transported mind may soar 

Above the wheeling poles, and at Heaven's door 

Look in, and see each blissful deity 

How he before the thunderous throne doth lie, 

Listening to what unshorn Apollo sings 

To the touch of golden wires, while Hebe brings 

Immortal nectar to her kingly sire ; 

Then passing through tlie spheres of watchful fire. 

And misty regions of wide air next under, 

And hills of snow and lofts of piled thunder, 



404 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

May tell at length how green-eyed Neptune raves, 

In Heaven's defiance mustering all his waves ; 

Then smg of secret things that came to pass 

When beldame Nature in her cradle was ; 

And last of kings and queens and heroes old, 

Such as the wise Demodocus once told 

In solemn songs at king Alcinous' feast 

While sad Ulysses' soul and all the rest 

Are held with his melodious harmony 

In willing chains and sweet captivity. 

But fie, my wandering muse, how thou dost stray I 

Expectance calls thee now another way; 

Thou know'st it must be now thy only bent 

To keep in compass of thy predicament: 

Then quick about thy purposed business come, 

That to the next I may resign my room. 

[Tlieu Ens is represented as father of the Predicaments, his ten eons, 
whereof the eldest stood for Substance with his canons, which Ens, 
thus speaking, explains.] 

Good luck befriend thee, son ; for at thy birth 

The fairy ladies danced upon the earth ; 

Thy drowsy nurse hath sworn she did them spy 

Come tripping to the room wherovthou didst lie, 

And, sweetly singing round about thy bed. 

Strew all their blessings on thy sleeping head. 

She heard them give thee this, that thou shouldst still 

From eyes of mortals walk invisible : 

Yet there is something that doth force my fear, 

Foi* once it was my dismal hap to hear 

A sibyl old, bow-bent with crooked age, 

That far events full wisely could presage. 

And in time's long and dark prospective glass 

Foresaw what future days should bring to pass: 

Your son, said she (nor can you it prevent). 

Shall subject be to many an accident. 

O'er all his brethren he shall reign as king, 

Yet every one shall make him underling. 

And those that cannot live from him asunder 

Ungratefully shall strive to keep him under, 

In worth and excellence he shall out-go them, 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 405 

Yet, being above them, he shall be below them : 

From others he shall stand in need of nothing, 

Yet on his brothers shall depend for clothing. 

To find- a foe it shall not be his hap, 

And peace shall lull him in her flowery lap ; 

Yet shall he live in strife, and at his door 

Devouring war shall never cease to roar : 

Yea it shall be his natural property 

To harbour those that are at enmity. 

What power, what force, what mighty spell, if not 

Your learned hands, can loose this Gordian knot? 

[The next, Quantity and Quality, spake in prose, then Rela- 
tion was called by his name.] 

Rivers, arise ! whether thou be the son 

Of utmost Tweed, or Oose, or gulfy Dun ; 

Or Trent, who, like some earth-born giant, spreads 

His thirty arms along the indented meads ; 

Or sullen Mole, that runneth underneath ; 

Or Severn swift, guilty of maidens' death ; 

Or rocky Avon ; or of sedgy Lee ; 

Or coaly Tine ; or ancient hallowed Dee ; 

Or Humber loud, that keeps the Scythian's name; 

Or Medway smooth ; or royal towered Thame. 

[The rest was prose.] 



III. 

ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY. 

Composed 1629. 
I. 
This is the month, and this the happy morn, 
Wherein the Son of Heaven's eternal King, 
Of wedded maid, and virgin mother born. 
Our great redemption from above did bring; 
For so the holy sages once did sing. 

That he our* deadly forfeit should release, 
And with his Father work us a perpetual peace. 

II. 
That glorious form, that liglit unsufferable, 
And that far-beaming blaze of majesty 



406 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

Wherewith he wont at Heaven's high council-table 

To sit the midst of Trinal Unity, 

He laid aside ; and here with us to be, 

Forsook the courts of everlasting day. 
And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay. 

III. 
Say, heavenly muse, shall not thy sacred vein 
Afford a present to the infant God ? 
Hast thou no verse, no hymn, or solemn strain, 
To welcome him to this his new abode, 
Now while the Heaven, by the sun's team untrod, 

Hath took no print of the approaching light, 
And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons 
bright ? 

IV. 

See how from far upon the eastern road 
The star-led wizards haste with odours sweet : 
Oh, run, prevent them with thy humble ode, 
And lay it lowly at his blessed feet ; 
Have thou the honour first thy Lord to greet, 

And join thy voice unto the angel quire, 
From out his secret altar touched with hallowed fire. 

The Hymn. 
I. 

It was the winter wild, 
While the Heaven-born child 

All meanly wrapped in the rude manger lies: 
Nature in awe to him 
Had doffed her gaudy trim. 

With her great Master so to sympathize : ♦ 

It was no season then for her 
To wanton with the sun, her lusty paramour, 

II. 
Only with speeches fair 
She woes the gentle air 

To hide her guilty front with innocent snow, 
And on her naked shame. 
Pollute with sinful blame, 

The saintly veil of maiden white to throw, 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 407 

Confounded, that her Maker's eyes 

Should look so near ujDon her foul deformities. 

III. 
But he, her fears to cease. 
Sent down the meek-eyed Peace ; 

She, crowned with olive green, came softly sliding 
Down through the turning sphere 
His ready harbinger. 

With turtle wing the amorous clouds dividing, 
And waving wide her myrtle wand, 
She strikes an universal peace through sea and land. 

IV. 

No war, or battle's sound, 
Was heard the world around : 

The idle spear and shield were high up hung ; 
The hooked chariot stood. 
Unstained with hostile blood; 

The trumpet spake not to the armed throng. 
And kings sat still with awful eye, 
As if they surely knew their sovran Lord was by. 

V. 

But peaceful was the night 
Wherein the Prince of Light 

His reign of peace upon the earth began : 
The wdnds with wonder whist 
Smoothly the waters kissed, 

Whispering new joys to the mild ocean, 
Who now hath quite forgot to rave. 
While birds of calm sit brooding on the charmed ware* 

VI. 

The stars with deep amaze 
Stand fixed in stedfast gaze, 

Bending one way their precious influence, 
And will not take their flight, 
For all the morning light, 

Or Lucifer that often warned them thence; 
But in their glimmering orbs did glow, 
Until their Lord himself bespake, and bid them go. 

VII. 

And tliough the shady gloom 
Had given day her room, 



408 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

The siin himself withheld his wonted speed, 
And hid his head for shame, 
As his inferior flame 

The new enlightened world no more should need ; 
He saw a greater sun appear 
Than his bright throne, or burning axletree, could bear. 

vin. 
The shepherds on the lawn, 
Or e'er the point of dawn. 

Sat simply chatting in a rustic row, 
Full little thought they then. 
That the mighty Pan 

Was kindly come to live with them below; 
Perhaps their loves, or else their sheep, 
Was all that did their silly thoughts so busy keep, 

IX. 

When suet music sweet 
Their hearts and ears did greet. 

As never was by mortal finger strook, 
Divinely-warbled voice 
Answering the stringed noise. 

As all their souls in blissful rapture took : 
The air, such pleasure loth to lose. 
With thousand echoes still prolongs each heavenly close. 

X. 

Nature that heard such sound. 
Beneath the hollow round 

Of Cynthia's seat, the airy region thrilling, 
Now was almost won 
To think her part was done, 

And that her reign had here its last fulfilling; 
She knew such harmony alone 
Could hold all heaven and earth in happier union. 

XI. 

At last surrounds their sight 
A globe of circular light, 

That with long beams the shame-faced night arrayed; 
The helmed cherubim. 
And sworded seraphim. 

Are seen in glittering ranks with wings displayed, 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 409 

UnrpiTis^ in loud and solemn quire, 

\v ith uuexiDressive notes to Heaven's new-born Heir. 

XII. 

Such music (as 'tis said) 
Before was never made, 

But when of old the sons of morning sung, 
While the Creator great 
His constellations set. 

And the well-balanced world on hinges hung, 
And cast the dark foundations deep. 
And bid the weltering waves their oozy channel keep, 

XIII. 

Ring out, ye crystal spheres, 
Once bless our human ears 

(If ye have power to touch our senses so), 
And let your silver chime 
Move in melodious time. 

And let the base of Heaven's deep organ blow, 
And with your ninefold harmony 
Make up full consort to the angelic symphony. 

XIV. 

For if such holy song 
Enwrap our fancy long. 

Time will run back, and fetch the age of gold. 
And speckled Vanity 
Will sicken soon and die. 

And leprous Sin will melt from earthly mould, 
And Hell itself will pass away. 
And leave her dolorous mansions to the peering day. 

XV. 

Yea, Truth and Justice then 
Will down return to men. 

Orbed in a rainbow ; and like glories wearing 
Mercy will sit between. 
Throned in celestial sheen, 

With radiant feet the tissued clouds down steering, 
And Heaven, as at some festival, 
Will open wide the gates of her high palace hall. 



410 POEMS Oia SEVERAL OCCASIOKS. 

XVI. 

But wisest Fate says no, 
This must not yet be so, 

The babe lies yet in smiling infancy, 
That on the bitter cross 
Must redeem our loss ; 

So both himself and us to glorify : 
Yet first to those y chained in sleep, 

The wakeful trump of doom must thunder tkrough the 
deep, 

xvn. 
With such a horrid clang 
As on Mount Sinai rang. 

While the red fire and smouldering clouds out brake : 
The aged earth aghast. 
With terror of that blast. 

Shall from the surface to the centre shake ; 
When at the world's last session, 
The dreadful Judge in middle air shall spread his throne. 

XVIII. 

And then at last our bliss 
Full and perfect is, 

But now begins ; for, from this happy day, 
The old dragon, underground 
In straiter limits bound, 

Not half so far casts his usurped sway, 
And wroth to see his kingdom fail. 
Swinges the scaly horror of his folded tail. 

XIX. 

The oracles are dumb. 
No voice or hideous hum 

Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. 
Apollo from his shrine 
Can no more divine, 

With hollow shriek the steep of Delphos leaving. 
No nightly trance, or breathed spell. 
Inspires the pale-eyed priest from the prophetic celL 

XX. 

The lonely mountains o'er, 
And the resounding: shore. 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 411 

A voice of weeping heard and loud lament; 
From haunted spring, and dale 
Edged with poplar pale, 

The partino- genius is with sighing sent ; 
With flower-inwoven tresses torn 
The nymphs in twilight shade of tangled thickets mourn. 

XXI. 

In consecrated earth, 
And on the holy hearth, 

The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint; 
In urns, and altars round, 
A drear and dying sound 

Affrights the Flaniens at their service quaint ; 
And the chill marble seems to sweat, 
While each peculiar power foregoes his wonted seat. 

XXII. 

Peor and Baalim 

Forsake their temples dim. 

With that twice battered god of Palestine ; 
And mooned Ashtaroth, 
Heaven's queen and mother both, 

Now sits not girt with tapers' holy shine ; 
The Lybic Hammon shrinks his horn, 
In vain the Tyrian maids their wounded Thammuz monm. 

XXIII. 

And sullen Moloch fled, 
Hath left in shadows dread 

His burning idol all of blackest hue; 
In vain with cymbals' ring 
They call the grisly king. 

In dismal dance about the furnace blue; 
The brutish gods of Nile as fast, 
Isis, and Orus, and the dog Anubis, haste. 

XXIV. 

Nor is Osiris seen 

In Memphian grove or green, 

Trampling the unshowered grass with lowings loud : 
Nor can he be at rest 
Within his sacred chest. 

Nought but profoundest hell can be his shroud ; 



412 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

In vain with timbrelled anthems dark 

The sable-stoled sorcerers bear his worshipped ark. 

XXV. 

He feels from Juda's land 
The dreaded infant's hand, 

The rays of Bethlehem blind his dusky eyn ; 
Nor all the gods beside, 
Longer dare abide. 

Not Typhon huge ending in snaky twine : 
Our Babe to show his Godhead true, 
Can in his swaddling bands control the damned crew 

XXVI. 

So when the sun in bed. 
Curtained with cloudy red, 

Pillows his chin upon an orient wave, 
The flocking shadows pale 
Troop to the infernal jail. 

Each fettered ghost slips to his several grave, 
And the yellow-skirted fays 
Fly after the night-steeds, leaving their moon-loved maw, 

XXVII. 

But see the virgin blest 
Hath laid her Babe to rest. 

Time is our tedious song should here have ending : 
Heaven's youngest teemed star 
Hath fixed her polished car, ■ 

Her sleeping Lord with handmaid lamp attending : 
And all about the courtly stable 
Bright-harnessed angels sit in order serviceable. 



IV. 

THE PASSION. 

I. 
Erewhile of music, and ethereal mirth, 
Wherewith the stage of air and earth did ring, 
And joyous news of heavenly Infant's birth, 
.My muse with angels did divide to sing; 
But headlong joy is ever on the wing, 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASION? S. 413 

In winter solstice like the shortened light 
Soon swallowed up in dark and long out-living night. 

II. 
For now to sorrow must I tune my song, 
And set my harp to notes of saddest woe, 
Which on our dearest Lord did seize ere long. 
Dangers, and snares, and wrongs, and worse than so, 
Which he for us did freely undergo : 

Most perfect Hero, tried in heaviest plight 
Of labours huge and hard, too hard for human wight ! 

III. 
He, sovran Priest, stooping his regal head. 
That dropped with odorous oil down his fair eyes, 
Poor fleshly tabernacle entered. 
His starry front low-roofed beneath the skies : 
Oh, what a mask was there, what a disguise ! 

Yet more ; the stroke of death he must abide, 
Then lies him meekly down fast by his brethren's side. 

IV. 

These latest scenes confine my roving verse, 
To this horizon is my Phoebus bound ; 
His godlike acts, and his temptations fierce, 
And former sufferings other where are found ; 
Loud o'er the rest Cremona's trump doth sound; 

Me softer airs befit, and softer strings 
Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful things. 

V. 

Befriend me night, best patroness of grief. 

Over the pole thy thickest mantle throw. 

And work my flattered fancy to belief. 

That Heaven and Earth are coloured with my woe; 

My sorrows are too dark for day to know : 

The leaves should all be black whereon I write, 
And letters, where my tears have washed, a wannish white. 

VI. 

See, see the chariot, and those rushing wheels, 
That whirled the prophet up at Chebar flood. 
My spirit some transporting cherub feels. 
To bear me where the towers of Salem stood. 
Once glorious towers, now sunk in guiltless blood; 



414 POEMS ON SEVEEAL 0CCASI0X8. 

There doth my soul in holy vision sit 
In pensive trance, and anguish, and ecstatic fit. 

VII. 

Mine eye hath found that sad sepulchral rock 
That was the casket of Heaven's richest store, 
And here though grief my feeble hands up lock, 
Yet on the softened quarry would I score 
My plaining verse as lively as before ; 

For sure so w^ell instructed are my tears. 
That they would fitly fall in ordered characters. 

VIII. 

Or should I thence, hurried on viewless wing, 

Take up a weeping on the mountains wild. 

The gentle neighbourhood of grove and spring 

Would soon unbosom all their echoes mild. 

And I (for grief is easily beguiled) 

Might think the infection of my sorrows loud 

Had got a race of mourners on some pregnant cloud. 

[This subject the author finding to be above the years he had, when he 
■wrote it, and nothing satisfied with what was begun, left it unfinished.] 



o:Nr TIME. 

Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race ; 

Call on the lazy leaden-stepping hours. 

Whose speed is but the heavy plummet's pace ; 

And glut thyself with w^hat thy womb devours, 

Which is no more than what is false and vain. 

And merely mortal dross ; 

So little is our loss. 

So little is thy gain. 

For when as each thing bad thou hast entombed. 

And last of all thy greedy self consumed, 

Then long eternity shall greet our bliss 

With an individual kiss ; 

And joy shall overtake us as a flood. 

When every thing that is sincerely good 

And perfectly divine, 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 4l5 

With truth, and peaoe, and love, shall ever shine 

About the supreme throne 

Of him, to whose happy-making sight alone 

When once onr heavenly-guided soul shall climb, 

Then all this earthy grossness quit, 

Attired with stars, we shall for ever sit, 

Triumphing over Death, and Chance, and thee, O 
Time. 



YI. 
UPON THE CIRCUMCISION. 

Ye flaming powers, and winged warriors bright, 
That erst with music, and triumphant song. 
First heard by happy watchful shepherds' ear, 
So sweetly sung your joy the clouds along 
Through the soft silence of the listening night. 
Now mourn ; and if sad share with us to bear 
Your fiery essence can distil no tear, 
Burn in your sighs, and borrow 
Seas wept from our deep sorrow : 
He who with all Heaven's heraldry whilere 
Entered the world, now bleeds to give us ease; 
Alas ! how soon our sin 
Sore doth begin 

His infancy to seize ! 

O more exceeding love, or law more just ? 

Just law, indeed, but more exceeding love! 

For we by rightful doom remediless 

Were lost in death, till he that dwelt above, 

High throned in secret bliss, for us frail dust 

Emptied his glory, even to nakedness ; 

And that great covenant which we still transgress 

Entirely satisfied. 

And the full wrath beside 

Of vengeful justice bore for our excess, 

And seals obedience first with wounding smart 

This day ; but oh, ere long, 

Hugo pangs and strong 

Will pierce more near his heart. 



416 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

VII. 

AT A SOLEMN MUSIC. 

Blest pair of Sirens, pledges of Heaven's joy, 

Sphere-born harmonious sisters, Voice and Verse, 

Wed your divine sounds, and mixed power employ, 

Dead things with inbreathed sense able to pierce, 

And to our high-raised fantasy present 

That undisturbed song of pure concent, 

Aye sung before the sapphire-coloured throne 

To him that sits thereon, 

With saintly shout, and solemn jubilee, 

Where the bright seraphim in burning row 

Their loud uplifted angel-trumpets blow, 

And the cherubic host in thousand quires 

Touch their immortal harps of golden wires, 

With those just spirits that wear victorious palms, 

Hymns devout and holy psalms 

Singing everlastingly; 

That we on earth with undiscording voice 

May rightly answer that melodious noise ; 

As once we did, till disproportioned sin 

Jarred against nature's chime, and with harsh din 

Broke the fair music that all creatures made 

To their great Lord, whose love their motion swayed 

In perfect diapason, whilst they stood 

In first obedience, and their state of good. 

Oh, may we soon again renew that song, 

And keep in tune with Heaven, till God ere long 

To his celestial consort us unite, 

To live with him, and sing in endless morn of light. 



VIII. 



AN EPITAPH ON THE MARCHIONESS OF 
WINCHESTER. 

This rich marble doth inter 

The honoured wife of Winchester, 

A viscount's daughter, an earl's heir, 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 417 

Besides what her virtues fair 
Added to her noble birth, 
More than she could own from earth. 
Summers three times eight, save one, 
She had told ; alas ! too soon, 
After so short time of breath, 
To house with darkness, and with deatlu 
Yet had the number of her days 
Been as complete as was her praise, 
Nature and fate had had no strife 
In giving limit to her life. 
Her high birth, and her graces sweet, 
Quickly found a lover meet ; 
The virgin quire for her request 
The god that sits at marriage feast ; 
He at their invoking came, 
But with a scarce well-lighted flame ; 
And in his garland as he stood 
Ye might discern a cypress bud. 
Once had the early matrons run 
To greet her of a lovely son. 
And now with second hope she goes, 
And calls Lucina to her throes ; 
But whether by mischance or blame 
Atropos for Lucina came, 
And with remorseless cruelty 
Spoiled at once both fruit and tree : 
The hapless babe before his birth 
Had burial, yet not laid in earth. 
And the languished mother's womb 
Was not long a living tomb. 
So have I seen some tender slip, 
Saved with care from winter's nip, 
The pride of her carnation train. 
Plucked up by some unheedy swain 
Who only thought to crop the flower 
New shot up from vernal shower ; 
But the fair blossom hangs the head 
Side-ways, as on a dying bed, 
And those pearls of dew she wears, 
27 



418 rOEMS ox SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

Prove to be presaging tears, 

Which the sad morn had let fall 

On her hastening funeral. 

Gentle lady, may thy grave 

Peace and quiet ever have ; 

After this, tliy travel sore, 

Sweet rest seize thee evermore, 

That to give the world increase, 

Shortened hast thy own life's lease. 

Here, besides the sorrowing 

That thy noble house doth bring, 

Here be tears of perfect moan 

Wept for thee in Helicon, 

And some flowers, and some bays. 

For thy hearse, to strew the ways. 

Sent thee from the banks of Came, 

Devoted to thy virtuous name ; 

Whilst thou, bi-ight saint, high sitt'st in glory, 

Next her much like to thee in story, 

That fair Syrian shepherdess, 

Who, after years of barrenness, 

The highly favoured Joseph bore 

To him that served for her before, 

And at her next birth, much like thee, 

Through pangs fled to felicity. 

Far within the bosom bright 

Of blazing Majesty and Light; 

There witli thee, new welcome saint, 

Like fortunes may her soul acquaint. 

With thee there clad in radiant sheen. 

No marchioness, but now a queen. 



IX. 

SONG ON MAY MORNING. 

Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger. 
Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her 
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws 
The yellow cowslij), and the pale primrose. 

Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire 
Mirth and youth and warm desire j 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 419 

Woods and groves are of thy dressing, 

Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing. 
Thus we salute thee with our early song, 
And welcome thee, and wish thee long. 



X. 

ON SHAKSPEARE, 1630. 

What needs my Shakspeare for his honoured bones 

The labour of an age in piled stones ? 

Or that his hallowed reliques should be hid 

Under a star-ypointing pyramid? 

Dear son of memory, great air of fame, 

What need'st thou such weak witness of thy name? 

Thou in our wonder and astonishment 

Hast built thyself a livelong monument. 

For whilst to the shame of flow-endeavouring art 

Thy easy numbers flow, and that eacli heart 

Hath from the leaves of thy unvalued book 

Those Delphic lines with deep impression took ; 

Then thou our fancy of itself bereaving. 

Dost make us marble with too much conceiving; 

And so sepulchred in such pomp dost lie, 

That kings, for such a tomb, would wish to die. 



XI. 

ON TPIE UNIVERSITY CARRIER, 

WHO SICKENED IN THE TIME OF HIS VACANCY, BEING 
FORBID TO GO TO LONDON, BY REASON OF THE PLAGUE. 

Here lies old Hobson ; Death hath broke his girt, 
And here, alas ! hath laid him in the dirt; 
Or else the ways being foul, twenty to one. 
He's here stuck in a slough, and overthrown. 
'Twas such a shifter, that if truth were known, 
Death was half glad when he had got him down ; 
For he had, any time this ten years full. 
Dodged with him betwixt Cambridge and the Bull, 



420 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

And surelj^ Death could never have prevailed, 

Had not his weekly course of carriage failed ; 

But lately finding him so long at home, 

And thinking noAV his journey's end was come, 

And that he had ta'en up his latest inn, 

In the kind ofiice of a chamberlin 

ShoAved him his room where he must lodge that night| 

Pulled off his boots, and took away the light ; 

If any ask for him, it shall be said, 

Hobson has supped, and 's newly gone to bed. 



XII. 
ANOTHER ON THE SAME. 

Here lieth one, who did most truly prove 

That he could never die while he could move ; 

So hung his destiny, never to rot 

While he might still jog on and keep his trot ; 

Made of sphere-metal, never to decay 

Until his revolution was at stay. 

Time numbers motion, yet (without a crime 

'Gainst old truth) motion numbered out his time : 

And like an engine moved with wheel and weight, 

His principles being ceased, he ended straight. 

Rest that gives all men life, gave him his death, 

And too much breathing put him out of breath ; 

Nor were it contradiction to afiirm 

Too long vacation hastened on his term. 

Merely to drive the time away he sickened. 

Fainted, and died, nor would with ale be quickened; 

" Nay," quoth he, on his swooning bed out-stretched ; 

" If I mayn't carry, sure I'll ne'er be fetched. 

But vow, though the cross doctors all stood hearerSi 

For one carrier put down to make six bearers." 

Ease was his chief disease, and to judge right, 

He died for heaviness that his cart went light : 

His leisure told him that his time was come, 

And lack of load made his life burdensome, 

That even to his last breath (there be that say't) 

As he were pressed to death, he cried " More weight ; " 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 421 

But had his doings lasted as they were, 

He had been an immortal carrier. 

Obedient to the moon he spent his date 

In course reciprocal, and had his fate 

Linked to the mutual flowing of the seas, 

Yet (strange to think) his wain was his increase } 

His letters are delivered all and gone, 

Only remains this superscription. 



xni. 

L'ALLEGRO. 

Hence loathed Melancholy, 

Of Cerberus and blackest Midnight bom, 
In Stygian cave forlorn, 

'Mongst horrid shapes, and shrieks, and sights unholy, 
Find out some uncouth cell, 

Where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings, 
And the night raven sings ; 

There under ebon shades, and low-browed rockSi 
As ragged as thy locks, 

In dark Cimmerian desert ever dwell. 
But come thou goddess fair and free, 
In Heaven ycleped Euphrosyne, 
And by men, heart-easing Mirth, 
Whom lovely Venus at a birth 
With two sister graces more 
To ivy-crowned Bacchus bore 
Or whether (as some sages sing) 
The frolic wind that breathes the spring, 
Zephyr with Aurora playing. 
As he met her once a maying. 
There on beds of violets blue. 
And fresh-blown roses washed in dew, 
Filled her with thee a daughter fair, 
So buxom, blithe, and debonair, 
-""^aste thee, nymph, and bring with thee 
Jest and youthful jollity, 
Quips, and cranks, and wanton wiles, 
Nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles, 



422 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS 

Such as hang on Hebe's cheek, 
And love to live in dimple sleek; 
Sport that wrinkled care derides. 
And laughter holding both his sides. 
Come, and trip it as you go 
On the light fantastic toe, _,. 
And in thy right hand lead with thee. 
The mountain nymph, sweet Liberty; 
And if I give thee honour due. 
Mirth, admit me of thy crew, 
To live with her, and live with thee, 
In unreproved pleasures free ; 
To hear the lark begin his flight, 
And singing startle tlie dull night, 
From his watch-tower in the skies, 
Till the dappled dawn doth rise ; 
Then to come in spite of sorrow. 
And at my window bid good-morrow, 
Through the sweet-briar, or the vine. 
Or the twisted eglantine : 
While the cock with lively din 
Scatters the rear of dai-kness thin, 
And to tlie stack, or the barn-door, 
Stoutly struts his dames before ; 
Oft listening how the hounds and horn 
Cheerly rouse the slumbering morn, 
From the side of some hoar hill. 
Through the high wood echoing shrill ! 
Some time walking not unseen 
By hedge-row elms, on hillocks green, 
Right against the eastern gate. 
Where the great sun begins his state. 
Robed in flames and amber light. 
The clouds in thousand liveries dight. 
While the ploughman near at hand 
Whistles o'er the furrowed land. 
And the milkmaid singeth blithe. 
And the mower whets his scythe, 
And every shepherd tells his tale 
Under the hawthorn in the dale. 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 423 

Straight mine eye hath caught new pleasures 

Whilst the landskip round it measures, 

Russet lawns, and fallows gray, 

Where the nibbling flocks do stray, 

Mountains on whose barren breast 

The labouring clouds do often rest, 

Meadows trim with daises pied, 

Shallow brooks, and rivers wide. 

Towers and battlements it sees 

Bosomed high in tufted trees, 

Where perhaps some beauty lies, 

The Cynosure of neighbouring eyes. 

Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes, 

From betwixt two aged oaks. 

Where Corydon and Thyrsis met, 

Are at their savoury dinner set 

Of herbs, and other country messes. 

Which the neat-handed Phillis dresses ; 

And then in haste her bower she leaves^ 

With Thestylis to bind the sheaves ; 

Or if the earlier season lead 

To the tanned haycock in the mead. 

Sometimes with secure delight 

The upland hamlets will invite, 

When the merry bells ring round, 

And the jocund rebecks sound 

To many a youth, and many a maid, 

Dancing in the chequered shade ; 

And young and old come forth to play 

On a sunshine holy-day, 

Till the livelong daylight fail ; 

Then to the spicy nut-brown ale, 

With stories told of many a feat, 

How fairy Mab the junkets eat. 

She was pinched, and pulled, she said, 

And he by friars' lanthorn led. 

Tells how the drudging goblin sweat. 

To earn his cream bowl duly set. 

When in one night, ere glimpse of morn. 

His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn, 



424 POEMS ON SEVEEAL OCCASIONS. 

That ten day-labourers could not end ; 

Then lies him down the lubbar fiend, 

And stretched out all the chimney's length, 

Basks at the fire his hairy strength, 

And crop-full out of doors he flings. 

Ere the first cock his matin rings. 

Thus done the tales, to bed they creep, 

By whispering winds sood lulled asleep. 

Towered cities please us then, 

And the busy hum of men, 

Where throngs of knights and barons bold 

In weeds of peace high triumphs hold, 

With store of ladies, whose bright eyes 

Rain influence, and judge the prize 

Of wit, or arms, while both contend 

To win her grace, whom all commend. 

There let Hymen oft appear 

In saffron robe, with taper clear, 

And pomp, and feast, and revelry. 

With mask, and antique pageantry; 

Such sights as youthful poets dream 

On summer eves by haunted stream. 

Then to the well-trod stage anon, 

If Jonson's learned sock be on, 

Or sweetest Shakspeare, fancy's child, 

Warble his native wood-notes wild. 

And ever against eating cares, 

Lap me in soft Lydian airs, 

Married to immortal verse. 

Such as the meeting soul may pierce 

In notes, with many a winding bout 

Of linked sweetness long drawn out, 

With wanton heed, and giddy cunning,, 

The melting voice through mazes running 

Untwisting all the chains that tie. 

The hidden soul of harmony ; 

That Orpheus' self may heave his head 

From golden slumber on a bed 

Of heaped Elysian flowers, and hear 

Such strains as would have won the ear 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 425 

Of Pluto, to have quite set free 
His half regained Eurydice. 
These delights, if thou canst give, 
Mirth, with thee I mean to live. 



xiy. 

IL PEISrSEROSO. 

Hence, vain deluding joys, 

The brood of folly without father bred 
How little you bested, 

Or fill the fixed mind with all your toys I 
Dwell in some idle brain. 

And fancies fond with gaudy shapes possess, 
As thick and numberless 

As the gay motes that people the sunbeams. 
Or likest hovering dreams. 

The fickle pensioners of Morpheus' train. 
But hail thou goddess, sage and holy, 
Hail, divinest Melancholy, 
Whose saintly visage is too bright 
To hit the sense of human sight, 
And therefore to our weaker view. 
Overlaid with black, staid wisdom's hue ; 
Black, but such as in esteem 
Prince Memnon's sister might beseem, 
Or that starred Ethiop queen that strove 
To set her beauty's praise above 
The sea-nymphs, and their powers offended: 
Yet thou art higher far descended ; 
Thee, bright-haired Vesta long of yore 
To solitary Saturn bore ; 
His daughter she (in Saturn's reign. 
Such mixture was not held a stain). 
Oft in glimmering bowers and glades 
He met her, and in secret shades 
Of woody Ida's inmost grove. 
While yet there was no fear of Jove. 
/ Come, pensive nun, devout and pure, 
Sober, stedfast, and demure, 



426 poems' on several occasions. 

All in a robe of darkest grain, 
Flowing with majestic train, 
And sable stole of Cyprus lawn, 
Over thy decent shoulders drawn. 
Come, but keep thy wonted state, 
With even step, and musing gait, 
And looks commercing with the skies, 
Thy rapt soul sitting in thine eyes : 
There, held in holy passion still. 
Forget thyself to marble, till 
With a sad leaden downward cast ^ 
Thou fix them on the earth as fast,:/ 
And join with thee calm Peace, and Quiet, 
Spare Fast, that oft with gods doth diet, 
And hears the Muses in a ring 
Aye round about Jove's altar sing; 
And add to these retired Leisure, 
That in trim gardens takes his pleasure ; 
But first, and chiefest, with thee bring 
Him that yon soars on golden wing. 
Guiding the fiery-wheeled throne, 
The cherub Contemplation ; 
And the. mute Silence hist along, 
'Less Philomel will deign a song. 
In her sweetest, saddest plight. 
Smoothing tlie rugged brow of night, 
While Cynthia checks her dragon yoke, 
Gently o'er the accustomed oak ; 
Sweet bird that shunn'st the noise of folly, 
Most musical, most melancholy ! 
Thee, chantress, oft the woods among 
I Avoo to hear thy even-song ; 
/And missing thee, I walk unseen 
On the dry smooth-shaven green, 
To behold the wandering moon. 
Riding near her highest noon, 
Like one that had been led astray 
Through the Heaven's wide pathless way, 
And oft, as if her head she bowed. 
Stooping through a fleecy cloud. * 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 427 

Oft on a plat of rising ground, 

I hear the far-off curfew sound, 

Over some wide-watered shore. 

Swinging slow with sullen roar ; 

Or if the air will not permit, 

Some still removed place will fit, 

Where glowing embers through the room 

Teach light to counterfeit a gloom ; 

Far from all resort of mirth, 

Save the cricket on the hearth. 

Or the bellman's drowsy charm. 

To bless the doors from nightly harm : 

Or let my lamp at midnight hour. 

Be seen in some high lonely tower, 

"Where I may oft outwatch the Bear, 

With thrice great Hermes, or unsphere 

The spirit of Plato to unfold 

What worlds, or what vast regions hold 

The immortal mind that hath forsook 

Her mansion in this fleshly nook : 

And of those demons that are found 

In fire, air, flood, or under ground, 

Whose power hath a true consent 

With planet or with element. 

Sometime let gorgeous tragedy 

In sceptred pall come sweeping by, 

Presenting Thebes, or I*elops' line, 

Or the tale of Troy divine ; 

Or what (though rare) of later age 

Ennobled hath the buskined stage. 

But oh, sad virgin, that thy power 

Might raise Musa3us from his bower 1 

Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing 

Such notes as warbled to the string, 

Drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek. 

And made Hell grant what love did seek 

Or call up him that left half told 

The story of Cambuscan bold. 

Of Camball, and of Algarsife, 

And who had Canace to wife. 



428 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIOI?"S. 

That owned the virtuous ring and glass, 

And of the wondrous horse of brass, 

On which the Tartar king did ride ; 

And if aught else great bards beside 

In sage and solemn tunes have sung, 

Of turneys and of trophies hung, 

Of forests and enchantments drear, 

Where more is meant than meets the ear. 

Thus night oft see me in thy pale career, 

Till civil-suited morn appear, 

Not trickt and frounct as she was wont 

With the Attic boy to hunt, 

But kerchiefed in a comely cloud, 

While rocking winds are piping loud, 

Or ushered with a shower still, 

When the gust hath blown his fill, 

Ending on the rustling leaves. 

With minute drops from off the eaves. 

And when the sun begins to fling 

His flaring beams, me, goddess, bring 

To arched walks of twilight groves, 

And shadows brown, that Sylvan loves, 

Of pine, or monumental oak. 

Where the rude axe with heav6d stroke 

Was never heard the nymphs to daunt. 

Or fright them from their hallowed haunt. 

There in closed covert by some brook, 

Where no profaner eye may look. 

Hide me from day's garish eye, 

While the bee with honeyed thigh. 

That at her flowery work ioth sing, 

And the waters murmuring, 

With such consort as they keep. 

Entice the dewy-feathered sleep ; 

And let some strange mysterious dream 

Wave at his wings in airy stream 

Of lively portraiture displayed, 

Softly on my eyelids laid. 

And as I wake, sweet music breathe 

Above, about, or underneath, 



/ 



/ 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 429 

Sent by some spirit to mortals good. 

Or the unseen genius of the wood. 

But let my due feet never fail 

To walk the studious cloister's pale, 

And love the high embowed roof, 

With antic pillars massy proof, 

And storied windows richly dight, 

Casting a dim religious light. ' 

There let the pealing organ blow, 

To the full-voiced quire below, 

In service high, and anthems clear, 

As may with sweetness, through mine eSTy 

Dissolve me into ecstasies. 

And bring all Heaven before my eyes. 

And may at last my weary age ^ 

Find out the peaceful hermitage, 

The hairy gown and mossy cell. 

Where I may sit and rightly spell 

Of every star that Heaven doth shew> 

And every herb that sips the dew ; 

Till old experience do attain 

To something like prophetic strain. 

These pleasures. Melancholy, give, 

And I with thee will choose to live 



XV. 

ARCADES. 

*Part of an entertainment presented to the Countess Dowager of Derby, 
at Harefield, by some noble persons of her family, who appear on 
the scene in the pastoral habit, moving toward the seat of stete, with 
this song .] 

Song I. 

Look, nymphs, and shepherds look, 
What sudden blaze of majesty 
Is that which we from hence descry, 
Too divine to be mistook : 

This, this is she 
To whom our views and wishes bend ; 
Here our solemn search hath end. 



430 POEMS Ol: ,:.iiVERAL OCCASIONS 

Fame, that her high worth to raise, 
Seemed erst so lavish and profuse, 
We may justly now accuse 
Of detraction from her praise ; 

Less than half we find expressed, 

Envy bid conceal the rest. 

Mark what radiant state she spreads, 
In circle round her shining throne, 
Shooting her beams like silver threads ; 
This, this is she alone, 

Sitting like a goddess bright, 

In the centre of her light. 

Might she the wise Latona be. 
Or the towered Cybele, 
Mother of a hundred gods ? 
Juno dares not give her odds; 

Who had thought this clime had held 

A deity so unparalled ? 

[As they come forward, the Genius of the wood appears, and turning 
towards them, speaks.] 

GENIUS. 

Stay, gentle swains, for though in this disguise, 

I see bright honour sparkle through your eyes; 

Of famous Arcady ye are, and sprung 

Of that renowned flood, so often sung, 

Divine Alpheus, who by secret sluice 

Stole under seas to meet his Arethuse ; 

And ye, the breathing roses of the wood. 

Fair silver-buskin ed nymphs as great and good, 

I know this quest of yours, and free intent, 

Was all in honour and devotion meant 

To the great mistress of yon princely shrine, 

Whom with low reverence I adore as mine, 

And with all helpful service wili comply 

To further this night's glad solemnity ; 

And lead ye where ye may more near behold 

What shallow-searching fame hath left untold ; 

Which I full oft amidst these shades alone 

Have sat to wonder at, and gaze upon : 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASION'S. 431 

For know by lot from Jove I am the power 

Of this fair wood, and live in oaken bower, 

To nurse the saplings tall, and curl the grove 

With ringlets quaint, and wanton windings wove 

And all my plants I save from nightly ill 

Of noisome winds, and blasting vapours chill ; 

And from the boughs brush off the evil dew, 

And heal the harms of thwarting thunder blue, 

Or what the cross dire-looking planet smites, 

Or hurtful worm with cankered venom bites. 

When evening gray doth rise, I fetch my round 

Over the mount, and all this hallowed ground, 

And early, ere the odorous breatli of morn 

Awakes the slumbering leaves, or tasselled horn 

Shakes the high thicket, haste I all about, 

Number my ranks, and visit every sprout 

With puissant words, and murmurs made to bless J 

But else in deep of night, when drowsiness 

Hath locked up mortal sense, then listen I 

To the celestial sirens' harmony. 

That sit upon the nine enfolded spheres. 

And sing to those that hold the vital shears, 

And turn the adamantine spindle round. 

On which the fate of gods and men is wound. 

Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie. 

To lull the daughters of Necessity, 

And keep unsteady Nature to her law. 

And the low world in measured motion draw 

After the heavenly tune, which none can hear 

Of human mould with gross unpurged ear; 

And yet such music worthiest Avere to blaze 

The peerless height of her immortal praise, 

Whose lustre leads us, and for her most fit, 

If my inferior hand or voice could hit 

Inimitable sounds ; yet as we go, 

Whate'er the skill of lesser gods can show, 

I will assay, her worth to celebrate. 

And so attend ye toward her glittering state; 

Where ye may all, that are of noble stem. 

Approach, and kiss her sacred vesture's hem. 



432 POEMS ON SEVEEAL OCCASIONS. 

Song II. 

O'er the smooth enamelled green, 
Where no prmt of step hath been, 

Follow me, as I sing, 

And touch the warbled string, 
Under the shady roof 
Of branching elm star-proof. 

Follow me, 
I will bring you where she sits, 
Clad in splendour as befits 

Her deity. 
Such a rural queen 
All Arcadia hath not seen. 

Song III. 

Kymphs and shepherds dance no more 

By sandy Ladon's lilied banks. 
On old Lycaeus or Cyllene hoar 

Trip no more in twilight ranks. 
Though Erymanth your loss deplore, 

A better soil shall give ye thanks. 
From the stony Maenalus 
Bring your flocks, and live with us ; 
Here ye shall have greater grace, 
To serve the lady of this place ; 
Though Syrinx your Pan's mistress were^ 
Yet Syrinx well might wait on her. 
Such a rural queen 
All Arcadia hath not seen. 



CamuH 



A MASK, PEESENTED AT LUDLOW CASTLE, 1634, BEFOEB 
THE EAKL OP BEIDGEWATEK, THEN PRESIDENT OP 

WALES, 



The Mask was presented in 1634, and consequently in the twenty-sixth 
vear of our author's age. lu the title-page of the first edition, printed 
in 1637, it is said that it was presented on Michaelmas night, and there 
was this motto : — 

" Eheu quid volui misero mihi ! floribus austrum 
i'erditus." 

In this edition, and in that of Milton's poems in 1645, there was pre- 
fixed to the Mask the following dedication : — 

To THE Right Honoukable Lord John Viscount Brackly, Son aitd 
Heir Apparent to the Earl of Bribgewater, &c. 

My Lord, — This poem, which received its first occar 
sion of birth from yourself and others of your noble 
family, and much honour from your own person in the 
performance, now returns again to make a final dedica- 
tion of itself to you. Although not openly acknowledged 
by the author, yet it is a legitimate offspring, so lovely, 
and so much desired, that the often copying of it hath 
tired my pen to give my several friends satisfaction, and 
brought me to a necessity of producing it to the public 
view ; and now to offer it up in all rightful devotion to 
those fair hopes, and rare endowments of your much prom- 
ising youth, which give a full assurance, to all that know 
you, of a future excellence. Live, sweet lord, to be the 
honour of your name, and receive this as your own, from 

28 (433) 



434 coMus. 

the hands of him, who hath by many favours been long 
obliged to your most honoured parents, and as in this 
representation your attendant Thyrsis, so now in all real 
expression 

Your faithful and most 

humble servant, 

H. La WES. 

[In the edition of 1645 was also prefix fd Sir Henry Wottou's letter to the 
author upon the following poem.1 



THE PERSONS. 

The Attendant Spirit, afterwards 

in the habit of Thyrsis. 
CoMus, icith his crew. 
The Lady. 
First Brother. 
Second Brother. 
Sabrina, the Nymph. 

The Chief Per S071S loho presented wer&^ 

The Lord Brackly. 

Mr. Thomas Egerton, his Brother. 

The Lady Alice Egerton. 



[The first scene discovers a wild wood. The Attendant Spirit desceuda 
or enters.] 

ATTENDANT SPIRIT. 

Before the starry threshold of Jove's court 

My mansion is, where those immortal shapes 

Of bright aerial spirits live insphered 

In regions mild of calm and serene air. 

Above the smoke and stir of this dim spot, 

Which men call Earth ; and with low-thoughted care 

Confined, and pestered in this pinfold here. 



COMTTS. 435 

Strive to keep up a frail and feverish being, 

Unmindful of the crown thfpt^ virtue gives, 

After this mortal cliange to her true servants, 

Amongst the enthroned gods on sainted seats. 

Yet some there be, that by due steps aspire 

To lay their just hands on that golden key, 

That opes the palace of eternity : 

To such m)^ errand is ; and but for such, 

I would not soil these pure ambrosial weeds 

With the rank vapours of this sin-worn mould. 

But to my task. Neptune, besides the sway 
Of every salt flood, and each ebbing stream, 
Took in by lot 'twixt high and nether Jove 
Imperial rule of all the sea-girt isles, 
That, like to rich and various gems, inlay 
The unadorned bosom of the deep : 
Which he, to grace his tributary gods, 
By course commits to several government, 
And gives them leave to wear their sapphire crowns, 
And wield their little tridents ; but this isle, 
The greatest and the best of all the main. 
He quarters to his blue-haired deities ; 
And all this tract that fronts the falling sun 
A noble peer of mickle trust and power 
Has in his charge, with tempered awe to guide 
An old and haughty nation, proud in arms : 
Where his fair offspring nursed in princely lore, 
Are coming to attend their father's state. 
And new-entrusted sceptre ; but their way 
Lies through the perplexed paths of this drear wood, 
The nodding horror of whose shady brows 
Threats the forlorn and w^andering passenger ; 
And here their tender age might suffer peril, 
But that by quick command from sovran Jove 
I was despatched for their defence and guard : 
And listen why ; for I will tell you now 
What never yet was heard in tale or song, 
From old or modern bard, in hall or bower. 

Bacchus, that first from out the pur]»le grape 
Crushed the sweet pt^ison of misused wine, 



486 COMTTS. 

After the Tuscan mariners transformed, 

Coasting the Tyrrhene shore, as the winds listed, 

On Circe's island fell (who knows not Circe, 

The daughter of the sun, whose charmed cup 

Whoever tasted lost his upright shape. 

And downward fell into a grovelling swine ?) : 

This nymph, that gazed upon his clustering locks 

With ivy berries wreathed, and his blithe youth, 

Had by him, ere he parted thence, a son 

Much like his father, but his mother more, 

Whom therefere she brought up, and Comus named; 

Who, ripe and frolic of liis full-grown age, 

Roving the Celtic and Iberian fields. 

At last betakes him to this ominous wood; 

And, in thick shelter of black shades embowered. 

Excels his mother at her mighty art, 

Offering to every weary traveller 

His orient liquor in a crystal glass. 

To quench the drouth of Phoebus ; which, as they taste 

(For most do taste through fond intemperate thirst), 

Soon as the potion works, their human countenance. 

The express resemblance of the gods, is changed 

Into some brutish form of wolf, or bear, 

Or ounce, or tiger, hog, or bearded goat, 

All other parts remaining as they were ; 

And they, so perfect is their misery. 

Not once perceive their foul disfigurement, 

But boast themselves more comely than before; 

And all their friends and native home forget, 

To roll with pleasure in a sensual sty. 

Therefore when any, favoured of high Jove, 

Chances to pass through this adventurous glade^ 

Swift as the sparkle of a glancing star 

I shoot from Heaven, to give him safe convoy. 

As now I do ; but first I must put off 

These ray sky robes spun out of Iris' woof. 

And take the weeds and likeness of a swain, 

That to the service of this house belongs, 

Who, with his soft pipe and smooth-dittied song, 

Well knows to still the wild w^inds when they roar, 



COMUS. 



437 



And hush the waving woods ; nor of less faith, 
And in this office of his mountain watch, 
Likeliest, and nearest to the present aid 
Of this occasion. But I hear the tread 
Of hateful steps ! I must be viewless now. 

OMUS enters with a charming rod in one hand, his glass in the other, 
with him a rout of monsters, headed like sundry sorts of wild beasts, but 
otherwise like men and women, their apparel glistering ; they come in 
making a riotous and unruly noise, with their torches in their hands.] 

COMUS. 

The star that bids the shepherd fold, 
Now the top of Heaven doth hold ; 
And the gilded car of day 
His glowing axle doth allay 
In the steep Atlantic stream ; 
And the slope sun his upward beam 
Shoots against the dusky pole, 
Pacing toward the other goal 
Of his chamber in the east. 
Meanwhile welcome joy and feast, 
Midnight shout and revelry. 
Tipsy dance and jollity. 
Braid your locks with rosy twine. 
Dropping odours, dropping wine. 
Rigour now is gone to bed. 
And advice with scrupulous head. 
Strict age, and sour severity, 
With their grave saws in slumber lie. 
We, that are of purer fire, 
Imitate the starry quire ; 
Who, in their nightly watchful spheres, 
Lead in swift round the months and years. 
The sounds and seas, with all their finny droV6 
Now to the moon in wavering morrice move ; 
And, on the tawny sands and shelves. 
Trip the pert fairies and the dapper elves. 
By dimpled brook, and fountain brim. 
The wood-nymphs, decked with daisies trim. 
Their merry wakes and pastimes keep ; 
What hath night to do with sleep ? 
Night hath better sweets to prove, 



438 COMTTS. 

Venus now wakes, and wakens Love. 

Come, let us our rites begin ; 

'Tis only daylight that makes sin, 

Which these dun shades will ne'er report. 

Hail, goddess of nocturnal sport, 

Dark-veiled Cotytto ! to whom the secret fli.nie 

Of midnight torches burns ; mysterious dame, 

That ne'er art called, but when the dragon womb 

Of Stygian darkness spets her thickest gloom, 

And makes one blot of all the air ; 

Stay thy cloudy ebon chair. 

Wherein thou rid'st with Hecat, and befriend 

Us thy vowed priests, till utmost end 

Of all thy dues be done, and none left out; 

Ere the blabbing eastern scout. 

The nice morn, on the Indian steep 

From her cabined loophole peep. 

And to the tell-tale sun descry 

Our concealed solemnity. 

Come, knit hands, and beat the ground, 

In a light fantastic round. 

The Measure. 
Break off, break off, I feel the different pace 
Of some chaste footing near about this ground. 
Run to your shrouds, within these brakes and trees; 
Our number may affright : some virgin sure 
(For so I can distinguish by mine art) 
Benighted in these woods. Now to my charms, 
And to my wily trains : I shall, ere long. 
Be well stocked with as fair a herd as grazed 
About my mother Circe. Thus I hurl 
My dazzling spells into the spongy air. 
Of power to cheat the eye with blear illusion, 
And give it false presentments, lest the place 
And my quaint habits breed astonishment, 
And put the damsel to suspicious flight, 
Which must not be, for that's against my course; 
I, under fair pretence of friendly ends. 
And well-placed words of glozing courtesy, 
Baited with reasons not unplausible. 



coMus. * 439 

Win4 me mT>v> \hc easy-hearted man, 

And hug liim into siiai-es. When once her eye 

Hath met the virtue of this magic dust, 

I shall appear some harmless villager. 

Whom thrift keeps up about his country gear. 

But here she comes.; I fairly step aside, 

And hearken, if I may, her business here 

[The Lady enters.] 
LADY. 

This way the noise was, if mine ear be true, 
My best guide now : methought it was the sound 
Of riot and ill-managed merriment. 
Such as the jocund iiute, or gamesome pij^e, 
Stirs up among the loose unlettered hinds. 
When, for their teeming flocks, and gi-anges full, 
In wanton dance they praise the bounteous Pan, 
And thank the gods amiss. I should be loth 
.To meet the rudeness and swilled insolence 
Of such late wassailers ; yet oh ! where else 
Shall I inform my unacquainted feet 
In the blind mazes of this tangled wood ? 
My brothers, when they saw me wearied out 
With tliis long way, resolving here to lodge 
Under the spreading favour of these pines. 
Stepped, as they said, to the next thicket side, 
To bring me berries, or such cooling fruit 
As the kind hospitable woods provide. 
They left me then, when the gray-hooded even, 
Like a sad votarist in palmer's weed, 
Rose from the hindmost wheels of Phoebus' wain. 
But where they are, and why they came not back. 
Is now the labour of my thoughts ; 'tis likeliest 
They had engaged their wandering steps too far. 
And envious darkness, ere they could return. 
Had stole them from me ; else, O thievish night I 
Why shouldst thou, but for some felonious end, 
In thy dark lanthorn thus close up the stars. 
That nature hung in Heaven, and filled their lamps 
With everlasting oil, to give due light 
To the misled and lonely traveller? 



440 COMUS. 

This is the place, as well as I may guess, 

Whence even now the tumult of loud mirth 

Was rife, and perfect in my listening ear ; 

Yet nought but single darkness do I find. 

What might this be ? A thousand fantasies 

Begin to throng into my memory. 

Of calling shapes, and beckoning shadows dire, 

And airy tongues, that syllable men's names 

On sands, and shores, and desert wildernesses. 

These thoughts may startle well, but not astound, 

The virtuous mind, that ever walks attended 

By a strong siding champion, conscience. 

Oh, welcome, pure-eyed faith, white-handed hopeu 

Thou hovering angel girt with golden wings, 

And thou unblemished form of chastity ! 

I see ye visibly, and now believe 

That he, the Supreme Good, to w^hom all things ill 

Are but as slavish officers of vengeance. 

Would send a glistering guardian, if need were, 

To keep my life and honour unassailed. 

Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud 

Turn forth her silver lining on the night ? 

I did not err, there does a sable cloud 

Turn forth her- silver lining on the night, 

And casts a gleam over this tufted grove : 

I cannot halloo to my brothers, but 

Such noise as I can make to be heard farthest 

I'll venture, for my new enlivened spirits 

Prompt -me; and they perhaps are not far off. 

Song. 
Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph, that liv'st unseen 

Within thy airy shell. 

By slow Meander's margent green, 
And in the violet-embroidered' vale, 

Where the love-lorn nightingale 
Nightly to thee her sad song mourneth well; 
Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair 

That likest thy Narcissus are ? 
Oh! if thou have 

Hid them in some flowery cave, 



coMus. 441 

Tell me but where, 
Sweet queen of parley, daughter of the sphere, 
So mayst thou be translated to the skies, 
And give resounding grace to all Heaven's harmonies, 

COMUS. 

Can any mortal mixture of earth's mould 
Breathe siich divine enchanting ravishment ? 
Sure something holy lodges in that breast, 
And with these raptures moves the vocal air 
To testify his hidden residence : 
How sweetly did they float upon the wings 
Of silence, through the empty-vaulted night, 
At every fall smoothing the raven down 
Of darkness till it smiled ! I have oft heard 
My mother Circe with the Sirens three, 
Amidst the flowery-kirtled Naiades 
Culling their potent heros and baleful drugs. 
Who, as they sung, would take the prisoned soul 
And lap it in Elysium : Scylla wept. 
And chid her barking waves into attention. 
And fell Charybdis murmured soft applause ; 
Yet they in pleasing slumber lulled the sense, 
And in sweet madness robbed it of itself ; 
But such a sacred and home-felt delight. 
Such sober certainty of waking bliss, 
I never heard till now. I'll speak to her, 
And she shall be my queen. Hail, foreign wonder! 
Whom certain these rough shades did never breed. 
Unless the goddess that in rural shrine 
Dwell'st here with Pan, or Sylvan ; by blest song 
Forbidding every bleak unkindly fog 
To touch the prosperous growth of this tall wood 

LADY. 

Nay, gentle shepherd, ill is lost that praise 
That is addressed to unattending ears ; 
Not any boast of skill, but extreme shift 
How to regain my severed company. 
Compelled me to awake the courteous Echo 
To give me answer from her mossy couch. 



442 coMtJs. 

COMUS. 

What chance, good lady, hath bereft you thus? 

LADY. 

Dim darkness, and this leafy labyrinth. 

COMUS. 

Could that divide you from near-ushering guides? 

LADY. 

They left me weary on a grassy turf. 

COMUS. 

By falsehood, or discourtesy, or why ? 

LADY. 

To seek i' the valley some cool, friendly spring 

COMUS. 

And left your fair side all unguarded, lady ? 

LADY. 

They were but twain, and purposed quick return. 

COMUS. 

Perhaps forestalling night prevented them. 

LADY. 

How easy my misfortune is to hit ! 

COMUS. 

Imports their loss, beside the present need? 

LADY. 

No less than if I should my brothers lose. 

COMUS. 

Were they of manly prime, or youthful bloom? 

LADY 

As smooth as Hebe's their unrazored lips. 

COMUS. 

Two such I saw, what time the laboured ox 
In his loose traces from the furrow came, 
And the swinkt hedger at his sujiper sat ; 
I saw them under a green mantling vine 
That crawls along the' side of yon small hill, 
Plucking ripe clusters from the tender shoots ; 
Their port was more than human, as they stood J 
I took it for a fairy vision 
Of some gay creatures of the element, 
That in the colours of the rainbow live, 
And play i' the plighted clouds. I was awe-struck, 



coMus. 443 

And, as I passed, I worshipped ; if those you seek, 
It were a journey like the path to Heaven, 
To help you lind them. 

LADY. 

Gentle villager, 
What readiest way would bring me to that place ? 

COMUS. 

Due west it rises from this shrubby point. 

LADY. 

To find out that, good shepherd, I suppose, 
In such a scant allowance of star-light. 
Would overtask the best land-pilot's art, 
Without the sure guess of well practised feet. 

COMUS. 

I know each lane, and every alley green, 
Dingle, or bushy dell of this wild wood, 
And every bosky bourn from side to side. 
My daily walks and ancient neighbourhood ; 
And if your stray attendants be yet lodged, 
Or shroud within these limits, I shall know 
Ere morrow wake, or the low-roosted lark 
Froui her thatched pallet rouse : if otherwise, 
I can conduct you, lady, to a low 
But loyal cottage, where you may be safe 
Till further quest. 

LADY. 

Shepherd, I take thy word. 
And trust thy honest-offered courtesy, 
Which oft is sooner found in lowly sheds 
With smoky rafters, than in tap'stry halls 
And cDurts of princes, where it first was named, 
And yet is most pretended : in a place 
Less warranted than this, or less secure, 
I cannot be, that I should fear to change it. 
Eye me, blest Providence, and' square my trial 
To my proportioned strength ! Shepherd, lead on, 

[The two Br( theks.] 
ELDER BROTHER. 

Unmuffle, ye faint stars ; and thou fair moon, 
That wont'st to love the traveller's benizon, 



444 coMus. 

Stoop thy pale visage through an amber cloud, 

And disinherit Chaos, that reigns here 

In double night of darkness and of shades ; 

Or if your influence be quite dammed up 

With black usurping mists, some gentle taper, 

Tliougli a rush-candle from the wicker hole 

Of some clay habitation, visit us 

With thy long levelled rule of streaming light, 

And thou shalt be our star of Arcady, 

Or Tyrian Cynosure. 

SECOND BKOTHEE. 

Or, if our eyes 
Be barred that happiness, might we but hear 
The folded flocks penned in their wattled cotes, 
Or sound of pastoral reed with oaten stops, 
Or whistle from the lodge, or village cock 
Count the night watches to his feathery dames, 
'Twould be some solace yet, some little cheering, 
In this close dungeon of innumerous boughs. 
But oh, that hapless virgin, our lost sister ! 
Where may she wander now? whither betake her 
From the chill dew, amongst rude burs and thistles f 
Perhaps some cold bank is her bolster now ; 
Or 'gainst the rugged bark of some broad elm 
Leans her unpillowed head, fraught with sad fears. 
What if in wild amazement and affright ? 
Or, while we speak, within the direful grasp 
Of savage hunger, or of savage heat ? 

ELDER BROTHER. 

Peace, brother ! be not over-exquisite 
To cast the fashion of uncertain evils ; 
For grant they be so, while they rest unknown, 
What need a man forestall his date of grief, 
And run to meet what he would most avoid ? 
Or if they be but false alarms of fear, 
How bitter is such self-delusion ! 
I do not think my sister so to seek, 
Or so unprincipled in virtue's book. 
And the sweet peace that goodness bosoms ever. 
As that the single want of light and noise 



coMus. 446 

(Not being in danger, as I trust she is not) 

Could stir the constant mood of her cahn thoughts, 

And put them into misbecoming plight. 

Virtue could see to do what virtue would 

By her own radiant light, though sun and moon 

Were in the flat sea sunk. And wisdom's self 

Oft seeks to sweet retired solitude. 

Where, with, her best nurse, contemplation, 

She plumes her feathers and lets grow her wing«, 

That in the various bustle of resort 

Were all too rufiied, and sometimes impaired. 

He that has light within his own clear breast 

May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day ; 

But he that hides a dark soul and foul thought* 

Benighted walks under the midday sun ; 

Himself is his own dungeon. 

SECOND BEOTHER. 

. 'Tis most true 
That musing meditation most affects 
The pensive secresy of desert cell. 
Far from the cheerful haunt of men and herds, 
And sits as safe as in a senate-house ; 
For who would rob a hermit of his weeds, 
His few books, or his beads, or maple dish. 
Or do his gray hairs any violence ? 
But beauty, like the fair Hesperian tree 
Laden with blooming gold, hath need the guard 
Of dragon-watch with unenchanted eye, 
To save her blossoms, and defend her fruit 
From the rash hand of bold incontinence. 
You may as well spread out the unsunned heaps 
Of misers' treasure by an outlaw's den, 
And tell me it is safe, as bid me hope 
Danger Avill wink on opportunity, 
And let a single helpless maiden pass 
Uninjured in this wild surrounding waste. 
Of night, or loneliness, it recks me not ; 
I fear the dread events that dog them both, 
Lest some ill-greeting touch attempt the person 
Of our unowned sister. 



446 coMus. 

ELDER BROTHER. 

I do not, brother. 
Infer, as if I thought my sister's state 
Secure without all doubt or controversy; 
Yet, where an equal poise of ho}3e and fear 
Does arbitrate the event, my nature is 
That I incline to hope rather than fear, 
And gladly banish squint suspicion. 
My sister is not so defenceless left 
As you imagine : she has hidden strength 
Which you remember not. 

SECOND BROTHER. 

What hidden strength, 
Unless the strength of Heaven, if you mean that ? 

ELDER BROTHER. 

I mean that too ; but yet a hidden strength. 
Which, if Heaven gave it, may be termed her own: 
'Tis chastity, my brother, chastity : 
She that has that is clad in complete steel, 
And, like a quivered nymph with arrows keen, 
May trace huge forests, and unharboured heaths, 
Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds ; 
Where, through the sacred rays of chastity, 
No savage fierce, bandit, or mountaineer. 
Will dare to soil her virgin purity: 
Yea there, where very desolation dwells. 
By grots and caverns shagged with horrid shades. 
She may pass on with unblenched majesty, 
Be it not done in pride or in presumption. 
Some say no evil thing that walks by night, 
In fog or fire, by lake or moorish fen. 
Blue meagre hag, or stubborn unlaid ghost 
That breaks his magic chains at curfew time, 
No goblin, or swart fairy of the mine, 
Hath hurtful power o'er true virginity. 
Do ye believe me yet? or shall I call 
Antiquity from the old schools of Greece 
To testify the arms of chastity ? 
Hence had the huntress Dian her dread bow, 



coMds. 447 

Fair silver-shafted queen, for ever chaste, 

Wherewith she tamed the brinded lioness 

And spotted mountain pard, but set at nought 

The frivolous bolt of Cupid ; gods and men 

Fear her stern frown, and queen o' the woods. 

What was that snaky-headed Gorgon shield 

That wise Minerva w^ore, un( onquered virgin, 

Where\^'itli she freezed her foes to congealed stone^ 

But rigid looks of chaste austerity, 

And noble grace, that dashed brute violence 

With sudden adoration and blank awe? 

So dear to Heaven is saintly chastity, 

That when a soul is found sincerely so, 

A thousand liveried angels lackey her. 

Driving far off each thing of sin and guilt, 

And, in clear dream, and solemn vision, 

Tell her of things that no gross ear can hear; 

Till oft converse with heavenly habitants 

Begin to cast a beam on the outward shape, 

The unpolluted temple of the mind. 

And turns it by degrees to the soul's essence, ^ 

Till all be made immortal ; but when lust. 

By unchaste looks, loose gestures, and foul talk, 

But most by lewd and lavish act of sin. 

Lets in defilement to the inward part. 

The soul grows clotted by contagion, 

Embodies, and embrutes, till she quite lose 

The divine property of her first being. 

Such are those thick and gloomy shadows damp 

Oft seen in charnel vaults and sepulchres 

Lingering, and sitting by a new-made grave, 

As loth to leave the body that it loved, 

And linked itself by carnal sensuality 

To a degenerate and degraded state. 

SECOND BROTHER. 

How charming is divine philosophy ! 
Not harsh, and crabbed, as dull fools suppose, 
But musical as is Apollo's lute. 
And a perpetual feast of nectared sweets. 
Where no crude surfeit rei<rns. 



448 coMus. 

ELDER BROTHER. 

List, list ! I hear 
Some far off halloo break the silent air. 

SECOND BROTHER. 

Methought so too ; what should it be? 

ELDER BROTHER. 

For certain 

Either some one like ns night-foundered here, 
Or else some neighbour woodman, or, at worst, 
Some roving robber calling to his fellows. 

SECOND BROTHER. 

Heaven keep my sister ! Again, again, and near ; 
Best draw and stand uj^on our guard. 

ELDER BROTHER. 

I'll halloo ; 
If he be friendly, he comes well ; if not. 
Defence is a good cause, and Heaven be for us. 

[The Attendant Spirit habited like a Shepherd.] 
That halloo I should know ; what are you? Speak I 
Come not too near, you fall on iron stakes else. 

SPIRIT. 

What voice is that ? My young lord ? Speak again. 

SECOND BROTHER. 

Thyrsis ? whose artful strains have oft delayed 
The huddling brook to hear his madrigal. 
And sweetened every musk-rose of the dale. 
How cam'st thou here, good swain ? Hath any ram 
Slipped from the fold, or young kid lost his dam, 
Or straggling wether the pent flock forsook ? 
How couldst thou find this dark sequestered nook ? 

SPIRIT. 

O my loved master's heir, and his next joy I 
I came not here on such a trivial toy 
As a strayed ewe, or to pursue the stealth 
Of pilfering wolf ; not all the fleecy wealth 
That doth enrich these downs, is worth a thought 
To this my errand, and the care it brought. 
But oh, my virgin lady ! where is she? 
How chance she is not in your company? 



coMus. 449 

ELDER BROTHER. 

To tell thee sadly, shepherd, without blame, 
Or our neglect, we lost her as we came. 

SPIRIT. 

Ay me unhapj^y ' then my fears are true. 

ELDER BROTHER. 

What fears, good Thyrsis ? Prythee briefly shew* 

SPIRIT. 

I'll tell ye ; 'tis not vain or fabulous 
(Though so esteemed by shallow ignorance) 
What the sage poets, taught by the heavenly muse, 
Storied of old in high immortal verse. 
Of dire chimeras, and enchanted isles. 
And rifted rocks whose entrance leads to Hell; 
For such tliere be ; but unbelief is blind. 

Within the navel, of this hideous wood, 
Immured in cypress shades, a sorcerer dwells, 
Of Bacchus and of Circe born, great Comus, 
Deep skilled in all his mother's witcheries ; 
And here to every thirsty wanderer. 
By sly enticement, gives his baneful cup. 
With, many murmurs mixed, whose pleasing poison 
The visage quite transforms of him that drinks, 
And the inglorious likeness of a beast 
Fixes instead, unmoulding reason's mintage 
Charactered in the face ; this have I learnt 
Tending my flocks hard by i' the hilly crofts 
That brow this bottom glade ; whence night by night 
■He and his monstrous rout are heard to howl 
Like stabled wolves, or tigers at their prey, 
Doing abhorred rites to Hecate 

-r • 

In their obscured haunts of inmost bowers. 
Yet have they many baits, and guileful spells 
To inveigle and invite the unwary sense 
Of them that pass unweeting by the way. 
This evening late, by then the chewing flocks 
Had ta'en their supper on the savoury herb 
Of knot-grass dew-besprent, and were in fold, 
I sat me down to watch upon a bank 
With ivy canopied, and interwove 
- 29 



I 

I 
450 coMus. 

With flannting honeysuckle, and began, 

Wrapt in a ])leasing fit of nielaneholy, 

To meditate my rnral minstrelsy, 

Till fancy had her fill ; but, ere a close, 

The wonted roar was up amidst the woods, 

And filled the air with barbarous dissonance; 

At which T ceased, and listened them a while, 

Till an unusual stop of sudden silence 

Gave res})ite to the drowsy-flighted steeds 

That dravv^ the litter of close-curtained sleep ; 

At last a soft and solemn-breathing sound 

Rose like a steam of rich distilled ])erfumes, 

And stole upon the air, that even Silence 

Was took ere she was ware, and wished she might 

Deny her nature, and be never more 

Still to be so displaced. I was all ear. 

And took in strains that might create a soul 

Under the ribs of death : but oh, ere long. 

Too well I did perceive it was the voice 

Of my most honoured lad}^, your dear sister. 

Amazed I stood, harrowed with grief and fear, 

And oh, poor hapless nightingale, thought I, 

How sweet Jthovi sing'st, how near the deadly snarel 

Then down the lawns I ran with headlong haste, 

Through paths and turnings often trod by day, 

Till, guided by mine ear, I found the place. 

Where that damned wizard, hid in sly disguise 

(For so by certain signs I knew), had met 

Already, ere my best speed could prevent, 

The aidless innocent lady, his wished prey. 

Who gently asked if he had seen such two. 

Supposing him some neighbour villager. 

Longer I durst not stay, but soonT guessed 

Ye v\^ere the two she meant ; with that I sprung 

Into swift flight, till I had found you here. 

But further know I not. 

SECOND BROTHER. 

O night and shades. 
How are ye joined with Hell in triple knot 
Against the unarmed weakness of one virgin 



coMus. 461 

Alone, and helpless ! Is this the confidence 
You gave me, brother ? 

ELDER BKOTHER. 

Yes, and keejj it still; 
Lean on it safely ; not a period 
Shall be unsaid for me : against the threats 
Of malice, or of sorcery, or that power 
Which erring men call chance, this I hold firm : 
Virtue may be assailed, but never hurt. 
Surprised by unjust force, but not enthralled ; 
Yea even that which mischief meant most harm, 
Shall in the happy trial prove most glory : 
But evil on itself shall back recoil. 
And mix no more with goodness ; when at last, 
Gathered like scum, and settled to itself, 
It shall be in eternal restless change. 
Self-fed, and self-consumed: if this fail, 
The pillared firmament is rottenness, 
And earth's base built on stubble. But come, let's on. 
Against the opposing will and arm of Heaven 
May never this just sword be lifted up ! 
But for that damned magician, let him be girt 
With all the grisly legions that troop 
Under the sooty flng of Acheron, 
Harpies and Hydras, or all the monstrous forms 
'Twixt Africa and Ind, I'll find him out. 
And force him to restore his purchase back, 
Or drag him by the curls to a foul death, 
Cursed as his life. 

SPIRIT. 

Alas ! good venturous youth, 
I love thy courage yet, and bold emprise ; 
But here thy sword can do thee little stead; 
For other arms, and other weapons, must 
Be those that quell the might of hellish charms: 
He with his bare wand can unthread thy joints, 
And crumble all thy sinews. 

ELDER BROTHER. 

Why pry thee, shepherd, 



4.52 coMus. 

How durst thou then thyself approach so near, 
As to make this relation ? 

SPIRIT. 

Care and utmost shifts 
How to secure the lady from surprisal, 
Brought to my mind a certain shepherd lad, 
Of small regard to see to, yet well skilled 
In every virtuous plant and healing herb 
That spreads her verdant leaf to the morning ray: 
He loved me well, and oft would beg me sing, 
Which when I did, he on the tender grass 
Would sit, and hearken even to ecstasy, 
And in requital ope his leathern scrip. 
And show me simples o£ a thousand names, 
Telling their strange and vigorous faculties : 
Amongst the rest a small unsightly root, 
But of divine effect, he culled me out ; 
The leaf was darkish, and had prickles on it; 
But in another country, as he said. 
Bore a bright golden flower, but not in this soil : 
Unknown, and like esteemed, and the dull swair 
Treads on it daily with his clouted shoon ; 
And yet more med'cinal is it than that moly 
That Hermes once to wise Ulysses gave ; 
He called it haemony, and gave it me, 
And bade me keep it as of sovran use 
'Gainst all enchantments, mildew, blast, or dampi 
Or ghastly furies' apparition. 
I pursed it up, but little reckoning made, 
Till now that this extremity compelled : 
But now I find it true ; for by this means 
I knew the foul enchanter, though disguised, 
Entered the very lime-twigs of his spells, 
And yet came off: if you have* this about you, 
(As I will give you when we go) you may 
Boldly assault the necromancer's hall ; 
Where if he be, with dauntless hardihood, 
And brandished blade, rush on him ; break his glass, 
And shed the luscious liquor on the ground. 
But seize his wand ; though he and his cursed crew 



I 



coMus. 453 

Fierce sign of battle make, and menace high, 
Or like the sons of Vulcan vomit smoke, 
Yet will they soon retire, if he but shrink. 

ELDER BROTHER. 

Thyrsis, lead on apace, I'll follow thee ; 
And some good angel bear a shield before us ! 

[The scene changes to a stately palace, set out with all manner of delicioua- 
ness ; soft music, tables spread with all dainties. CoMUS appears with 
his rabble, and the Lady set in an enchanted chair, to whom he offers his 
glass, which she puts by, and goes about to rise.] 

COMUS. 

Nay, lady, sit ; if I but wave this wand, 
Your nerves are all chained up in alabaster 
And you a statue, or, as Daphne was. 
Root-bound, that fled Apollo. 

LADY. 

Fool ! do not boast ; 

Thou canst not touch the freedom of my mind 
With all thy charms, although this corporal rind 
Thou hast immanacled, while Heaven sees good. 

COMTIS. 

Why are you vexed, lady? why do you frown? 
Here dwell no frowns, nor anger ; from these gates 
Sorrow flies far : see, here be all the pleasures 
That fancy can beget on youthful thoughts. 
When the fresh blood grows lively, and returns 
Brisk as the April buds in primrose-season. 
And flrst behold this cordial julep here. 
That flames and dances in his crystal bounds. 
With spirit of balm and fragrant syrups mixed 
Kot that Nepenthes, which the wife of Thone 
In Egypt gave to Jove-born Helena, 
Is of such power to stir up joy as this. 
To life so friendly, or so cool to thirst. 
Why should you be so cruel to yourself. 
And to those dainty limbs which Nature lent 
For gentle usage, and soft delicacy ? 
But you invert the covenants of her trust. 
And harshly deal, like an ill borrower, 



454 coMus. 

With that which you received on other terras, 
Scorning^ the unexempt condition 
By which all mortal frailty must subsist, 
Refreshment after toil, ease after pain, 
That have been tired all day without repast, 
Ani timely rest have wanted ; but, fan* vu'gin, 
This will restore all soon. 

LADY. 

'Twill not, false traitor I 
'Twill not restore the truth and honesty 
That thou bast banished from thy tongue with lies. 
Was this the cottage, and the safe abode. 
Thou told'st me of ? What grim aspects are these, 
These ugly-headed monsters ? Mercy guard me ! 
Hence with thy brewed enchantments, foul deceiver I 
Hast thou betrayed my credulous innocence 
With visored falsehood, and base forgery? 
And wouldst thou seek again to trap me here 
With liquorish baits fit to ensnare a brute? 
Were it a draught for Juno when she banquets, 
I would not taste thy treasonous offer; none 
But such as are good men can give good things, 
And that which is not good, is not delicious 
To a well-governed and wise appetite. 

COMUS. 

Oh, foolishness of men ! that lend their ears 
To those budge doctors of the Stoic fur. 
And fetch their precepts from the Cynic tub, 
Praising the lean and sallow abstinence. 
Wherefore did Nature pour her bounties forth 
With such a full and unwithdrawing hand. 
Covering the earth with odours, fruits, and flocks, 
Tlironging the seas with spawn innumerable, 
But all to please and sate the curious taste ? 
And set to work millions of spinning worms, 
That in their green shops weave the smooth-haired silk 
To deck hei sons ; and, that no corner might 
Be vacant of her plenty, in her own loins 
She hutched the all-worshipped ore, and precious gems 
To store her children with : if all the world 



COMUS. 



455 



Should in a pet of temperance feed on pulse, 

Drink the clear stream, and nothing wear but frieze, 

The All-giver would be unthanked, would be unpraised, 

Not half his riches known, and yet despised ; 

And we should serve him as a grudo;ing master, 

As a penurious niggard of his wealth. 

And live like Nature's bastards, not her sons, 

Who would be quite surcharged with her own weight, 

And strangled with her waste fertility ; 

The earth cumbered, and the winged air darked with 

plumes. 
The herds would over-multitude their lords, 
The sea o'erfraught would swell, and the unsought dia- 
monds 
Would so emblaze the forehead of the deep. 
And so bestud with stars, that they below 
Would grow inured to light, and come at last 
To gaze upon the sun with shameless brows. 
List, lady, be not coy, and be not cozened 
With that same vaunted name, virginity. 
Beauty is Nature's coin, must not be hoarded, 
But must be current ; and the good thereof 
Consists in mutual and partaken bliss. 
Unsavoury in the enjoyment of itself ; 
If you let slip time, like a neglected rose 
It withers on the stalk with languished head. 
Beauty is Nature's brag, and must be shown 
In courts, at feasts, and high solemnities. 
Where most may wonder at the workmanship ; 
It is for homely features to keep home. 
They had their name thence ; coarse complexions, 
And cheeks of sorry grain, will serve to ply 
The sampler, and to tease the housewife's wool. 
What need a vermeil-tinctured lip for that. 
Love-darting eyes, or tresses like the morn? 
There was another meaning in these gifts ; 
Think what, and be advised : you are but young yet. 

LADY. 

I had not thought to have unlocked my lips 
In this unhallowed air, but that this juggler 



456 coMus. 

Would think to charm my judgment, as mine eyes, 

Obtruding false rules prankt in reason's garb. 

I hate when vice can bolt her arguments, 

And virtue has no tongue to check her pride. 

Impostor, do not charge most innocent Nature, 

As if she would her children should be riotous 

With her abundance ; she, good cateress, 

Means her provision only to the good, 

That live according to her sober laws, 

And holy dictate of spare temperance : 

If every just man, that now pines with want. 

Had but a moderate and beseeming share 

Of that which lewdly-pampered luxury 

Now heaps upon some few with vast excess, 

Nature's full blessings would be well dispensed 

In unsuperfluous even proportion. 

And she no whit encumbered with her store ; 

And then the Giver would be better thanked, 

His praise due paid ; for swinish gluttony 

Ne'er looks to Heaven amidst his gorgeous feast. 

But with besotted base ingratitude 

Crams, and blasphemes his Feeder. Shall I go on ? 

Or have I said enough ? To him that dares 

Arm his profane tongue with contemptuous words 

Against the sun-clad power of chastity. 

Fain would I something say, yet to what end ? 

Thou has not ear, nor soul, to apprehend 

The sublime notion, and high mystery, 

That must be uttered to unfold the sage 

And serious doctrine of virginity ; 

And tliou art worthy that thou shouldst not know 

More liappiness than this thy present lot. 

Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric. 

That hath so well been taught her dazzling fence. 

Thou art not fit to hear thyself convinced ; 

Yet, should I try, the uncontrolled worth 

Of this pure cause would kindle my rapt spirits 

To sucli a flame of sacred vehemence, 

That dumb things would be moved to sympathize, 

And the brute earth would lend her nerves, and shake, 



coMFs. 467 

Till all thy magic structures, reared so high, 
"Were shattered into heaps o'er thy false head, 

COMUS. 

She fables not : I feel that I do fear 
Her words set off by some superior power ; 
And though not mortal, yet a cold shuddering dew 
Dips me all o'er, as. when the wrath of Jove 
Speaks thunder, and the chains of Erebus, 
To some of Saturn's crew. I must dissemble, 
And try her yet more strongly. Come, no more ; 
This is mere moral babble, and direct 
Against the canon laws of our foundation ; 
I must not suffer this, yet 'tis but the lees 
And settlings of a melancholy blood; 
But this will cure all straight ; one sip of this 
Will bathe the drooping spirits in delight 
Beyond the bliss of dreams. Be wise, and taste. 

[The Brothers rush in with swords drawn, wrest his glass, out of his hand, 
and break it against the ground : his rout makes sign of resistance, but 
are all driven in. The Attkndakt Spirit comes in.] 

SPIKIT. 

What, have you let the false enchanter 'scape ? 
Oh ! ye mistook, ye should have snatched his wand, 
And bound him fast ; Avithout his rod reversed, 
And backward mutters of dissevering power, 
We cannot free the lady that sits here 
In stony fetters fixed, and motionless ; 
Yet stay, be not disturbed ; now I bethink me, 
Some other means I have which may be used, 
Which once of Meliboeus old J learnt. 
The soothest shepherd that e're piped on plains. ^ 

There is a gentle nymph not far from hence. 
That with moist curb sways the smooth Severn stream, 
Sabrina is her name, a virgin pure ; 
Whilome she was the daughter of Locrine, 
That had the sceptre from his father Brute. 
She, guiltless damsel, flying the mad pursuit 
Of her enraged stepdame Guendolen, 
Commended her fair innocence to the flood, 
That stayed her flight with his cross-flowing course. 



458 coMus. 

The water nymphs that in the bottom played, 
Held up their pearled wrists and took her in, 
Bearing her straight to aged Nereus' hall, 
Who, piteous of our woes, reared her lank head, 
And gave her to his daughters to embathe 
In nectared lavers strewed with asphodel. 
And through the porch and inlet of each sense 
Dropped in ambrosial oils till she revived, 
And underwent a quick immortal change, 
Made goddess of the river : still she retains 
Her maiden gentleness, and oft at eve 
Visits the herds along the twilight meadows, 
Helping all urchin blasts, and ill-luck signs 
That the shrewd meddling elf delights to make, 
Which she with precious vialled liquors heals ; 
For which the shepherds at their festivals 
Carol her goodness loud in rustic lays. 
And throw sweet garland wreaths into her stream 
Of pansies, pinks, and gaudy daffodils. 
And, as the old swain said, she can unlock 
The clasping charm, and thaw the numbing spell, 
If she be right invoked in warbled song ; 
For maidenhood she loves, and will be swift 
To aid a virgin, such as was herself. 
In hard-besetting need : this will I try. 
And add the power of some adjuring verse. 

Song. 

Sabrina fair, 

Listen where thou art sitting 

Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave, 
In twisted braids of lilies knitting 

The loose train of thy amber-dropping hair; 
Listen for dear honour's sake, 
Goddess of the silver lake. 
Listen, and save. 

Listen, and appear to us. 

In name of great Oceanus ; 

By the earth-shaking Neptune's mace, 
. And Tethys' grave majestic pace. 

By hoary Nereus' wrinkled look, 



coMus. 459 

And the Carpathian wizard's hook, 
By scaly Triton's winding shell, 
And old soothsaying Glaucus' spell, 
By Leucothea's lovely hands, 
And her son that rules the strands, 
By Thetis' tinsel-slippered feet, 
And the songs of sirens sweet. 
By dead Parthenope's dear tomb, 
And fair Ligea's golden comb. 
Wherewith she sits on diamond rocks, 
Sleeking her soft alkiring locks ; 
By all the nymphs that nightly dance 
Upon thy streams with wily glance, 
Rise, rise, and heave thy rosy head 
From thy coral-paven bed. 
And bridle in thy headlong wave. 
Till thou our summons answered have. 
Listen, and save. 

[Sabrina rises, attended by water-nymphs, and sings,] 

By the rushy-fringed bank, 
Where grows the willow and the osier dank, 

My sliding chariot stays,* 
Thick set with agate, and the azure sheen 
Of turkis blue, and emerald green. 
That in the channel strays ; 
Whilst from off the waters fleet 
Thus I set my printless feet 
O'er the cowslip's velvet head, 
That bends not as I tread ; 
Gentle SAvain, at thy request 
I am here. 

SPIKIT. 

Goddess dear. 
We implore thy powerful hand 
To undo the charmed band 
Of true virgin here disti'essed, 
Through the force, and thi-oiigh the wile, 
Of unble^t enchanter vile. 



460 coMus. 

SABEINA. 

Sliepherd, 'tis my office best 
To help ensnared chastity : 
Brightest lady, look on me ; 
Thus I sprinkle on thy breast 
Drops, that from my fountain pure 
I have kept, of precious cure ; 
Thrice uj^on thy finger's tip, 
Thrice upon thy rubied lip ; 
Next this marble venomed seat, 
Smeared with gums of glutinous heat, 
I touch with chaste palms moist and cold: 
Now the spell hath lost his hold ; 
And I must haste, ere morning hour, 
To wait in Amphitrite's bower. 

[Sabbina descends, and the Lady rises out of her seat.] 
SPIRIT. 

Virgin, daughter of Locrine, 
Sprung of old Anchises' line. 
May thy brimmed waves for this 
Their full tribute never miss 
From a thousand petty rills. 
That tumble down the snowy hills : 
Summer drouth, or singed air, 
Never scorch thy tresses fair, 
Nor wet October's torrent flood 
Thy molten crystal fill with mud: 
May thy billows roll ashore 
The beryl, and the golden ore , 
May thy lofty head be crowned 
With many a tower and terrace round, 
And here and there thy banks upon 
With groves of myrrh and cinnamon. 

Come, lady, while Heaven lends us grace, 
Let us fiy this cursed place. 
Lest the sorcerer us entice 
With some other new device. 
Not a waste or needless sound 
Till we come to holier ground ; 



coMus. 461 

I shall be your faithful guide 

Through this gloomy covert wide ; 

And not many furlongs thence 

Is your father's residence, 

Where this night are met in state 

Many a friend to gratulate 

His wished presence ; and, beside, 

All the swains that near abide, 

With jigs and rural dance resort : 

We shall catch them at their sport; 

And our sudden coming there 

Will double all their mirth and cheer. 

Come, let us haste, the stars grow high, 

But night sits monarch yet in the mid sky. 

[The Scene changes, presenting Ludlow town and tlie President's castle ; 
then come in country dancers ; after them the Attendant Spibit, with 
the two Bjbothebs and the Lady. 

Song. 

SPIRIT. 

Back, shepherds, back ! enough your play. 
Till next sunshine holiday : 
Here be, without duck or nod. 
Other trippings to be trod 
Of lighter toes, and such court guise 
As Mercury did first devise, 
With the mincing Dryades, 
On the lawns, and on the leas. 

[This second Song presents them to their Father and MothflT.] 

Noble lord, and lady bright, 

I have brought ye new delight ; 

Here behold, so goodly grown. 

Three fair branches of your own ; 

Heaven hath timely tried their youth, 

Their faith, their patience, and their truth, 

And sent them here through hard assays 
With a crown of deathless praise. 

To triumph in victorious dance 
O'er sensual folly and intemperance. 

[The dances ended, the Spirit epiloguises.] 



462 coMus. 

SPIEIT. 

To the ocefin now I fly, 
And those happy climes that lie 
Where day never shuts his eye, 
Up in the broad fields of the sky ;, 
There I suck the liquid air 
All amidst the gardens fair 
Of Hesperus, and his daughters three. 
That sing about the golden tree : 
Along the crisped shades and bowers 
Revels the spruce and jocund Spring, 
The Graces, and the rosy-bosomed Hours, 
Thither all their bounties bring : 
There eternal Summer dwells, 
And west winds, with musky wing. 
About the cedarn alleys fling 
Nard and cassia's balmy smells. 
Iris there with humid bow 
"Waters the odorous banks, that blow 
Flowers of more mingled hue 
Than her purfled scarf can shew, 
And drenches with Elysian dew 
(List, mortals, if your ears be true) 
Beds of hyacinth and roses, 
Where young Adonis oft reposes, 
Waxing well of his deep wound 
In slumber soft, and on the ground 
Sadly sits the Assyrian queen ; 
But far above, in spangled sheen. 
Celestial Cupid, her famed son, advanced, 
Holds his dear Psyche sweet entranced, 
After her wandering labours long. 
Till free consent the gods among 
Make her his eternal bride. 
And from her fair unspotted side 
Two blissful twins are to be born, 
Youth and Joy ; so Jove hath sworn. 

But now my task is smoothly done ; 
I can fly, or I can run 
Quickly to tlie gTeen earth's end, 



ooMus. 463 

Where the bowed welkin slow cloth bend, 
And from thence can soar as soon 
To the corners of the moon. ^ 

Mortals, that would follow me, 
Love Virtue ; she alone is free ; 
She can teach ye how to climb 
Higher than the s}3hery chime ; 
Or, if Virtue feeble were, 
Heaven itself would Ftoop to her. 



ii64 POEMS ON SEVEEAL OCCASIONS. 



XVII. . 

LYCIDAS. 

fin this monody the author bewails a learned friend, Mr. Edward King, who 
was unfortunately drowned in his passage from Chester on the Irish seae, 
1637, and by occasion foretells the ruin of our corrupted clergy, then in 
their height.] 

Yet once more, O ye laurels ! and once more 
Ye myrtles brown, with ivy never sere, 
I come to pluck your berries harsh and crude, 
And with forced fingers rude 
Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year 
Bitter constraint, and sad occasion dear. 
Compels me to disturb your season due ; 
For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime, 
Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer : 
Who "would not sing for Lycidas ? He knew 
Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme. 
He must not float upon his watery bier 
Unwept, and welter to the parching wind, 
Without the meed of some melodious tear. 

Begin then, sisters, of the sacred well. 
That from beneath the seat of Jove doth spring; 
Begin, and somewhat loudly sweep the string. 
Hence with denial vain, and coy excuse, 
So may some gentle muse 
With lucky words favour my destined urn. 
And, as he passes, turn 
And bid fair peace be to my sable shroud : 
For we were nursed upon the self-same hill, 
Fed the same flock by fountain, shade, and rilL 

Together both, ere the high lawns appeared 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 465 

Under the opening eyelids of the morn, 

We drove a field, and both together heard 

What time the gray fly winds her sultry horn, 

Battening our flocks with the fresh dews of night, 

Oft till the star that rose, at evening, bright. 

Toward Heaven's descent had sloped his westering wheeL 

Meanwhile the rural ditties were not mute. 

Tempered to the oaten flute ; 

Rough satyrs danced, and fauns with cloven heel 

From the glad sound would not be absent long, 

And old Damsetas loved to hear our song. 

But oh, the heavy change, now tliou art gone, 
Now thou art gone, and never must return ! 
Thee, shepherd, thee the woods, and desert caves 
With wild thyme and the gadding vine o'ergrown, 
And all their echoes mourn. 
The willows, and the hazel copses green, 
Shall now no more be seen. 
Fanning their joyous leaves to thy soft lays. 
As killing as the canker to the rose. 
Or taint-worm to the weanling herds that graze. 
Or frost to flowers, that their gay wardrobe wear, 
When first the white-thorn blows ; 
Such, Lycidas, thy loss to shepherds' ear. 

Where were ye, nymphs, when the remorseless deep 
Closed o'er the head of your loved Lycidas? 
For neither were ye playing on the steep. 
Where your old bards, the famous Druids, lie ; 
Nor on the shaggy top of Mona high. 
Nor yet where Deva spreads her wizard stream : 
Ay me ! I fondly dream 

Had ye been there, for what could that have done ? 
What could the muse herself that Orpheus bore, 
The muse herself for her enchanting son, 
Whom universal nature did lament, 
When by the rout that made the hideous roar, 
His gory visage down the stream w^as sent, 
Down the swift Hebrus to the Lesbian shore ? 

Alas ! what boots it with incessant care 
To tend the homelv slighted shejDherd's trade, 
30 



466 POEMS ON SEVERA.L OCCASIONS. 

And strictly meditate the thankless muse? 

Were it not better done as others use, 

To sport with Amaryllis in the shade, 

Or with the tangles of Nea3ra's hair ? 

Fame is the s]nir that the clear spirit doth raise 

(That last infirmity of noble mind) 

To scorn delights, and live laborious days ; 

Bat the fair guerdon when we hope to find, 

And think to burst out into sudden blaze, 

Comes the blind fury with the abhorred shears, 

And slits the thin-spun life. " But not the praise," 

Phcebus replied, and touched my trembling ears * 

" Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil, 

Nor in the glistering foil 

Set off to the world, nor in broad rumour lies, 

But lives and spreads aloft by those pure eyes, 

And perfect witness of all-judging Jove ; 

As he pronounces lastly on each deed. 

Of so much fame in Heaven expect thy meed." 

O fountain Arethuse, and thou honoured flood, 
Smooth-sliding Mincius, crowned with vocal reeds, 
That strain I heard was of a, higher mood : 
But now^ my oat proceeds. 
And listens to the herald of the sea 
That came in Neptune's plea ; 
He asked the waves, and asked the felon winds, 
What hard mishap had doomed this gentle swain ? 
And questioned every gust of rugged wings. 
That blows from off each beaked promontory : 
They knew not of his story, 
And sage Hippotades their answer brings. 
That not a blast was from his dungeon strayed, 
The air was calm, and on the level brine 
tSleek Panope with all her sisters played. 
It was that fatal and perfidious bark 
Built in the eclipse, and rigged with curses dark. 
That sunk so low that sacred head of thine. 

Next Camus, rcA^erend sire, went footing slow, 
His mantle hairy, and his bonnet sedge, 
Inwrought w^th figures dim, and on the edge, 



POEMS 0"N- SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 



467 



Like to that sanguine flower inscribed with woe. 
" Ah ! who hath reft," quoth he, " my dearest pledge ?" 
Last came, and hist did go, 
The pilot of the Galilean lake. 
Two massy keys he bore, of metals twain 
(The golden opes, the iron shuts amain), 
He shook his mitred locks, and stern bespake : 
' How well could I have spared for thee, young swain, 
Enow of such as for their bellies' sake 
Creep, and intrude, and climb into the fold ! 
Of other care they little reckoning make, 
Tlian how to scramble at the shearer's feast, 
And shove away the worthy bidden guest ; 
Blind mouths! that scarce themselves know how to bold 
A sheep-hook, or have learned aught else the least 
That to the faithful herdsman's art belongs ! 
What recks it them ? What need they ? They are sped ; 
And when they list, their lean and flashy songs 
Grate on their scrannel pipes of wretched straw ; 
The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed. 
But swollen with wind, and the rank mist they draw. 
Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread : 
Besides what the grim wolf with privy paw 
Daily devours apace, and nothing said. 
But that two-handed engine at the door 
Stands ready to smite once, and smite no more.** 

Return, Alpheus, the dread voice is past. 
That shrunk thy streams : return Sicilian muse, 
And call the vales, and bid them hither cast 
Their bells and flowerets of a thousand hues. 
Ye vidleys low, where the mild whispers use 
Of shades, and wanton winds, and gushing brooks. 
On whose fresh lap the swart star sparely looks, 
Throw hither all your quaint enamelled eyes, 
That on the green turf suck the honeyed showers, 
And purple all the ground with vernal flowers. 
Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies, 
The tufted crow-toe, and pale jessamine, 
The white pink, and the Dansy freaked with jet, 
The glowing violet, 



468 POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 



The musk-rose, and the well-attired woodbine, 

With cowslips wan that hang the pensive head, 

And every flower that sad embroidery wears : 

Bid amaranthus all his beauty shed, 

And daffodillies fill their. cups with tears, 

To strow the laureate hearse where Lycid lies. 

For so to interpose a little ease, 

Let our frail thoughts dally with false surmise. 

Ay me ! whilst thee the shores and sounding seas 

Wash far away, where ere thy bones are hurled, 

Whether beyond the stormy Hebrides, 

Where thou, perhaps, under the whelming tide 

Visit'st the bottom of the monstrous world ; 

Or whether thou to our moist vows denied, 

Sleep'st by the fable of Bellerus old. 

Where the great vision of the guarded mount 

Looks toward Namancos and Bayona's hold ; 

Look homeward, angel now, and melt with ruthi 

And, O ye dolphins, waft the hapless youth. 

Weep no more, woeful shepherds, wee23 no mofej 
For Lycidas your sorrow is not dead. 
Sunk though he be beneath the watery floor ; 
So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed, 
Apd yet anon repairs his drooping head, 
And tricks his beams, and with new-spangled ore 
Flames in the forehead of the morning sky : 
So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high. 
Through the dear might of him that walked the wi^t^ 
Where other groves and other streams along, 
With nectar pure his oozy locks he laves, 
And hears the unexpressive nuptial song, 
In the blest kingdoms meek of joy and love. 
There entertain him all the saints above, 
In solemn troops, and sweet societies, 
That sing, and singing in their glory move, 
And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes. 
Now, Lycidas, the shepherds weep no more ; 
Henceforth thou art the genius of the shore, 
In thy large recompense, and shalt be goo4 
To all that wander in tliat perilous flood. 



1 



POEMS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 469 

Thus sang the uncouth swain to the oaks and rills, 
While the still morn went out with sandals gray; 
He touched the tender stops of various quills, 
With eager thought warbling his Doric lay : 
And now the sun had stretched out all the hills, 
And now was dropped into the western bay ; 
At last he rose, and twitched his mantle blue : 
To morrow to fresh woods, and pastures new. 



XYIII. 

THE FIFTH ODE OF HORACE, Lib . 1. 

[ " Quis mnlta gracilis te puer in rosa,'' rendered almost word for word 
without rliynie, according to the Latin measure, as near as the lan- 
guagewill permit.] 

What slender youth, bedewed with liquid odours, 
Courts thee on roses in some pleasant cave, 

Pyrrha ? For whom bind'st thou 

In wreaths thy golden hair, 
Plain in thy neatness? Oh, how oft shall he 
On faith and changed gods complain, and seas 

Rough with black winds and storms 

Unwonted shall admire ! 
Who now enjoys thee credulous, all gold ; 
Who always vacant, always amiable, 

Hopes thee, of flattering gales 

Unmindful. Hapless they 
To whom thou untried seem'st fair. Me in my vowed 
Picture the sacred wall declares to have hung 

My dank and dropping weed« 

To the stern god of sea. 



AD PYRRHAM. ODE V. 

Horatius exPyrrhse illecebris tanqnam e naufragio enataverat, en jus 
amore irretitos, afflrmat esse miseros. 

Quis multa gracilis te puer in rosa 
Perfusus liquidis urget odoribus, 
Grato, Pyrrha, sub antro ? 



470 POEMS ON SEVEKAL OCCASIONS. 

Cui flavam religas comam 
Simplex munditiis ? heu quoties fidem 
Mutatosqiie decs flebit, et aspera 

Nigris aeqiiora ventis 

Emirabitur insolens ! 
Qui nunc te fruitur credulus aurea, 
Qui semper vacuam semper amabilem 

Sperat, nescius aurse 

Fallacis. Miseri quibus 
Intentata nites. Me tubula sacer 
Votiva paries indicat uvida 

Suspendisse potenti 

Vestimenta maris Deo. 



XIX. 



ON THE NEW FORCERS OF CONSCIENCE UNDEB 
THE LONG PARLIAMENT. 

Because you have thrown off your preLate lord, 
And with stiff vows renounced his liturgy, 
To seize the widowed whore Plurality 
From them whose sin ye envied, not abhorred, 

Dare ye for this adjure the civil sword 

To force our consciences that Christ set free, 
And ride us with a classic hierarchy 
Taught ye by mere A. S. and Rotherford? 

Men whose life, learning, faith, and pure intent 
Would have been held in high esteem with Paul, 
Must now be named and printed heretics 

By shallow Edwards and Scotch what d'ye call : 
But we do hope to find out all your tricks, 
Your plots and packing worse than those of Trent, 
That so the Parliament 

May, with their wholesome and preventive shears. 

Clip your phylacteries, though bank your ears, 

xAnd succour our just fears, 

When they shall read this clearly in your charge, 

New Presbyter is but Old Priest writ large. 



^Duuetii* 



I. 

TO THE NIGHTINGALE. 

O Nightingale, that on yon bloomy spray 
Warblest at eve, when all the woods are still, 
Thou with fresh hope the lover's heart dost fill, 
While the jolly hours lead on propitious May. 

Thy liquid notes that close the eye of day. 
First heard before the shallow cuckoo's bill, 
Portend success in love ; oh, if Jove's will 
Have linked that amorous power to thy soft lay, 

Now timely sing, ere the rude bird of hate 

Foretell my hopeless doom in some grove nigh; 
As thou from year to year hast sung too late 

For my relief, yet hadst no reason why: 

Whether the Muse, or Love, call thee his mate, 
Both them I serve, and of their train am I. 

II. 

Donna leggiadra il cui bel nome honora 
L' herbosa val di Rheno, e il nobil varco, 
Bene d colui d' ogni valore scarco 
Qual tuo spirto gentil non innamora, 

Che dolcemente mostra si di fuora 
De sui atti soavi giamai parco, 
E i don', che son d'amor saette ed arco. 
La onde 1' alta tua virtu s' infiora. 

(471) 



472 SONNETS. 

Quanclo tu vaga parli, o lieta canti 
Che mover possa duro alpestre legno, 
Guardi ciascun a gii occhi, ed a gli orecchi 

L' entrata, chi di te si truova indegiio ; 
Grazia sola di su gli vaglia, inanti 
Che '1 disio amoroso al cuor s' invecchL 

III. 

QuAL in colle aspro, al imbrunir di sera 
L' avezza giovinetta pastorella 
"V a bagnando 1' herbetta strana e bella 
Che mal si spande a disusata spera 

Fuor di sua natia alma primavera, 
Cosi Amor meco insti la lingua snella 
Desta il fior novo di strania favella, 
Mentre io di te, vezzosamente altera, 

Canto, dal mio buon popol non inteso, 
E '1 bel Tamigi cangio col bel Arno. 
Amor lo volse, ed io a 1' altrui peso 

Seppi ch' Amor cosa mai volse indarno. 
Deh ! £oss' il mio cuor lento e '1 duro seno 
A chi pianta dal ciel si buon terreno. 



CANZONE. 

RiDONSi donne e giovani amorosi 
M' accostandosi attorno, e perche scrivi, 
Perche tu scrivi in lingua ignota e strana 
Verseggiando d' amor, e come t' osi? 
Dinne, se la tua speme sia mai vana, 
E de pensieri lo miglior t' arrivi ; 
Cosi mi van burlando, altri rivi 
Altri lidi t' aspettan, et altre onde 
Nelle cui verdi spo^pde 
Spuntati ad hor, ad hor a la tua chioma 
L' immortal guiderdon d' eterne frondi; 
Perche alle spalle tue sovercliia soma? 
Canzon dirotti, e tu per me rispondi 
Dice mia Donna, e '1 suo dir, e il mio cuore 
Questa e lingua di cui si vanta Amore. 



SONNETS. 473 

lY. 

DiODATi, e te '1 diro con maraviglia, 

Quel ritroso io ch' amor spreggiar sol^a 

E de suoi lacci spesso mi ridea 

Gia caddi, ov' huom dabben talhor s' impiglia. 
Ne treccie d' oro, ne giiancia vermiglia 

M' abbaglian si, ma sotto nova idea 

Pellegrina bellezza che' 1 cuor bea, 

Portamenti alti honesti, e nelle ciglia 
Quel sereno fulgor d' amabil nero, 

Parole adorne di lingua pui d' una, 

E '1 cantar che di mezzo 1' hemispero 
Traviar ben puo la faticosa Luna, 

E degli occhi suoi auventa si gran fuoco 

Che 1' incerar gli orecchi mi fia poco. 

Y. 

Per certo i bei vost'r occhi. Donna mia 
Esser non puo che non sian lo mio sole 
Si mi percuoton forte, come ei suole 
Per 1' arene di Libia chi s' invia, 

Mentre un caldo vapor (ne senti pria) 
Da quel lato si spinge ove mi duole, 
Che forse amanti nelle lor parole 
Chiaman sospir ; io non so che si sia : 

Parte rinchiusa, e turbida si cela 

Scosso mi il petto, e poi n'uscendo poco 
Quivi d' attorno o s' agghiaccia, o s' ingiela; 

Ma quanto a gli occhi giunge a trovar loco 
Tutte le notti a me suoi far provose 
Finche mia Alba rivien colma di rose. 

YI. 

GiovANE piano, e semplicetto amante, 
Poi che fnggir me stesso in dubbio sono, 
Madonna a voi del mio cuor 1' humil dono 
Faro divoto ; io certo a prove tante 

L' hebbi fedele, intrepido, costante, 

De pensieri leggiadro, accorto, e buono ; 
Quando rugge il gran mondo, e scocca il tuono, 



474 SONNETS. 

S' arma di se, e d' intero diamante ; 

Tanto del forse, e d' invidia sicuro, 
Di timori, e speranze al popol use 
Quanto d' ingegno, e d' alto valor vago, 
E di cetra sonora, e delle muse : 
Sol troverete in tal parte men duro 

Ove Amor mise 1' insanabil ago. 



VII. 

ON HIS BEING ARRIVED AT THE AGE OF 
TWENTY-THREE. 

How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth, 
Stolen on his wing my tliree-and-twentieth year! 
My hasting days fly on with full career, 
But my late spring no bud or blossom shew'th. 

Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth, 
That I to manhood am arrived so near, 
And inward ripeness doth much less appear, 
That some more timely-happy spirits endu'th. 

Yet be it less or more, or soon or slow. 
It shall be still in strictest measure even 
To that same lot, however mean or high, 

Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heaven; 
All is, if I have grace to use it so, 
As ever in my great Task-Master's eye. 



VIII. 

WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS INTENDED TO THE 

CITY. 

Captain or colonel, or knight in arms. 

Whose chance on these defenceless doors may seize, 

If deed of honour did thee ever please. 

Guard them, and him within protect from harms. 

He can requite thee, for he knows the charms 
That call fame on such gentle acts as these. 
And he can spread thy name o'er lands and seas, 



SO^^NETS. 475 

Whatever clime the sun's bright circle warms. 

Lift not thy spear against the Muses' bower: 
The great Eniathian conqueror bid spare 
The house of Pindarus, when temple and tower 

Went to the ground : and the repeated air 
Of sad Electra's poet had the power 
To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare. 



IX. 

TO A VIRTUOUS YOUNG LADY. 

Lady, that in the prime of earliest youth 

Wisely hast shunned the broad way and the green, 
And with those few art eminently seen, 
That labour up the hill of heavenly truth, 

The better part with Mary and with Ruth 
Chosen thou hast ; and they that overween, 
And at thy growing virtues fret their spleen, 
No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth. 

Thy care is fixed, and zealously attends 

To fill thy odorous lamp with deeds of light, 

And hope that reaps not shame. Therefore be sure 

Thou, when the bridegroom with his feastful friends 
Passes to bliss at the mid hour of night. 
Hath gained thy entrance, virgin wise and pure. 



X. 

TO THE LADY MARGARET LEY. 

Daughter to that good earl, once President 
Of England's Council, and her Treasury, 
Who lived in both, unstained with gold or free, 
And left them both, more in himself content, 

Till sad the breaking of that Parliament 
Broke him, as that dishonest victory 
At Chaeronea, fatal to liberty, 
Killed with report that old man eloquent. 

Though later born that to have known the days 



476 SONNETS. 

Wherein your father flourished, yet by you, 
Madam, methinks I see him living yet ; 
So well your words his noble virtues praise, 
That all both judge you to relate them true, 
And to possess them, honoured Margaret. 



XI. 

ON THE DETRACTION WHICH FOLLOWED UPON 
MY WRITING CERTAIN TREATISES. 

A BOOK was writ of late, called " Tetrachordon," 
And woven close, both matter, form, and style; 
The subject new : it walked the town a while, 
Numbering good intellects ; now seldom pored on. 

Cries the stall-reader. Bless us ! what a word on 
A title-page is this ! and som^ in file 
Stand spelling false, while one might walk to Mile- 
End Green. Why is it harder, sirs, than Gordon, 

Colkitto, or Macdonnel, or Galasp ? 

Those rugged names to our like mouths grow sleek. 
That would have made Quintilian stare and gasp. 

Thy age, like ours, O soul of Sir John Cheek, 
Hated not learning worse than toad or asp. 
When thou taught'st Cambridge, and king Edward, 
Greek. 



XII. 
ON THE SAME. 

I DID but prompt the age to quit their clogs 
By the known rules of ancient liberty, 
When straight a barbarous noise environs me 
Of owls and cuckoos, asses, apes, and dogs : 

As when those hinds that were transformed to frogs 
Railed at Latona's twin-born progeny. 
Which after held the sun and moon in fee. 
But this is got by casting pearl to hogs. 

That bawl for freedom in tlieir senseless mood, 



SONNETS. 477 

And still revolt when truth would set them free. 
License they mean when they cry " Liberty ! " 
For who loves that, must first be wise and good ; 
But from that mark how far they rove we see 
For all this waste of wealth, and loss of blood. 



XIII. 
to MR. n. LA WES ON HIS AIRS. 

Hakrt, whose tuneful and well-measured song 
First taught our English music how to span 
Words with just note and accent, not to scan 
With Midas' ears, committing short and long ; 

Thy worth and skill exempts thee from the throng,. 
With praise enough for envy to look wan ; 
To after age thou shalt be writ the man, 
That with smooth air couldst humour best our tongue 

Thou honour'st verse, and verse must lend her wing 
To honour thee, the priest of Phcebus' quire, 
That tun'st their happiest lines in hymn or story, 

Dante shall give Fame leave to set thee higher 
Than his Casella, whom he wooed to sing 
Met in the milder shades of purgatory. 



XIV. 



ON THE RELIGIOUS MEMORY OF MRS. CATHA- 
RINE THOMSON, MY CHRISTIAN FRIEND. 

Deceased IQth December, 1646. 

When faith and love, which parted from thee never, 
Had ripened thy just soul to dwell w^ith God, 
Meekly thou didst resign this earthly load 
Of death, called life ; which us from life doth sever. 

Thy works and alms and all thy good endeavour 
Stayed not behind, nor in the grave were trod ; 
But as faith pointed w4th her golden rod. 
Followed thee up to joy and bliss for ever. 



478 SONNETS. 

Love led them on, and faith, who knew them best 
Thy handmaids, dad them o'er with purple beams 
And azure wings, that up they flew so drest, 

And spake the truth of thee on glorious themes 
Before the Judge, who thenceforth bid thee rest 
And drink thy lill of pure immortal streams. 



xy. 

TO THE LORD GENERAL FAIRFAX. 

Fairfax, whose name in arms through Europe rings, 
Filling each mouth with envy or with praise. 
And all her jealous monarchs with amaze 
And rumours loud, that daunt remotest kings, 

Thy firm unshaken virtue ever brings 

Victory home, though new rebellions raise 
Their Hydra heads, and the false north displays 
Her broken league to imp their serpent wings. 

Oh ! yet a nobler task awaits thy hand 

(For what can war but endless war still breed?) 
Till truth and right from violence be freed, 

And public faith cleared from the shameful brand 
Of public fraud. In vain doth valour bleed, 
While avarice and rapine share the land. 



XYI. 
TO THE LORD GENERAL CROMWELL. 

CRO^rwELL, our chief of men, who through a cloud 
Not of war only, but detractions rude,. 
Guided by faith and matchless fortitude, 
To peace and truth thy glorious way hast ploughed. 

And on the neck of crown6d fortune proud 

Hast reared God's trophies, and his work pursued, 
While Darwen stream with blood of Scots imbrued 
And Dunbar field resounds thy praises loud, 

And Worcester's laureate wreath. Yet much remains 
To conquer still ; peace hath her vict<>ries 



SOKNETS. 479 

No less renowned than war : new foes arise 
Threatening to bind our souls with secular chains : 
Help us to save free conscience from the paw 
Of hireling wolves, whose gospel is their maw. 



xvv 

TO SIR HENRY VANE THE YOUNGER. 

"-Vane, young in years, but in sage counsel old, 
Than whom a better senator ne'er held 
The helm of Rome, when gowns not arms repelled 
The fierce Epirot and the African bold ; 

"^Whether to settle peace, or to unfold 

The drift of hollow states hard to be spelled, 
Then to advise how war may best upheld 

^ Move by her two main nerves, iron and gold, 
In all her equipage ; besides to know 

Both spiritual power and civil, what each means, 
What severs each, thou hast learned, which few Jiayo 
done : 
The bounds of either sword to thee we owe ; 
Therefore, on thy firm hand religion leans 
In peace, and reckons thee her eldest son. 



xviir 

ON THE LATE MASSACRE IN PIEMONT. 

Avenge, O Lord ! thy slaughtered saints, whose bones 
Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold ; 
Even them who kept thy truth so pure of old. 
When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones, 

Forget not : in thy book record their groans 
Who were thy sheep, and in their ancient fold 
Slain by the bloody Piemontese that rolled 
Mother with infant down the rocks. Their moans 

The vales redoubled to the hills, and they 

To Heaven. Their martyred blood and ashes sow 



480 SONNETS. 

O'er all the Italian fields, where still doth sway 
The triple tyrant ; that from these may grow 
A hundredfold, who having learned thy way - 
Early may fly the Babylonian woe. 



XIX. 

ON HIS BLINDNESS. 

When I consider how my light is spent 

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide; 
And that one talent which is death to hide, 
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent 

To serve therewith my Maker, and present 
My true account, lest he returning chide ; 
Doth God exact day-labour, light denied, 
I fondly ask ? But Patience, to prevent 

That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need 
Either man's work or his own gifts ; who best 
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best : his state 

Is kingly ; thousands at his bidding speed. 
And post o'er land and ocean without rest; 
They also serve who only stand and wait. 



XX. 

TO MR. LAWRENCE. 

l.AWRENCE, of virtuous father virtuous son, 

NTow that the fields are dank, and ways are mire, 
Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire 
Help waste a sullen day, what may be won 

From the hard season gaining ? Time will run 
On smoother, till Favonius re-inspire 
The frozen earth, and clothe in fresh attire 
The lily and rose, that neither sowed nor spun. 

What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice, 
Of Attic taste, with wine, whence we may rise 
To hear the lute well touched, or artful voice 

Warble immortal notes and Tuscan air ? 



SONNETS. iSl 

lie who of those delights can judge, and spare 
To interpose them oft, is not unwise. 



XXI. 

TO CYRIAC SKINNER. 

Cyriac, whose grandsire on the royal bench 
Of British Themis, with no mean applause 
Pronounced, and in his volumes taught, our laws, 
Which others at their bar so often wrencli ; 

'J'o-day deep thoughts resolve with me to drencli 
In mirth, that after no repenting draws ; 
Let Euclid rest, and Archimedes pause. 
And what the Swede intends, and what the Frencl 

'i'o measure life learn thou betimes, and know 
Toward solid good what leads the nearest way ; 
For other things mild Heaven a time ordains, 

And disapproves that care, though wise in show, 
That with superfluous burden loads the day, 
And, when God sends a cheerful hour, refi-nin?.. 



XXII. 
TO THE SAME. 

Cyriac, this three years' day these eyes, though clear. 

To outward view, of blemish or of spot, 

Bereft of light their seeing have forgot, 

Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear 
Of sun, or moon, or star throug-hout the year, 

Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not 

Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot 

Of heart or hope ; but still bear up, and steer 
Ivight onward. What supports me, dost thou ask? 

The conscience, friend, to have lost them overplied 

In liberty's defence, my noble task, 
Of v.hich all Europe talks from side to side. 

Tliis thought might lead me through the world's vain 
mask 

Content, though blind, had I no better guide. 
31 



482 SONNETS. 

XXIII. 

ON DECEASED Wll'E. 

Methought I saw my ^ate espoused saint 
Brought to me like Alcestis from the grave, 
Whom Jove's great son to her gl-dd liiisband ga\e, 
Rescued from death by force, though pale and fninl 

Mine, as whom washed from spot of child-bed taint 
Purification in the old law did save ; 
And such, as yet once more I trust to have 
Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint, 

Came vested all in white, pure as her mind : 
Her face was veiled, yet to my fancied sight 
Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shined 

So clear, as in no face with more delight. 
But oh ! as to embrace me she inclined, 

I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night 



^0alm0* 



PSALM L 

DONK I2fT0 VEESE, 1653. 

Blessed is the man who hath not walked astray 
In council of the wicked, and i' the way 
Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat 
Of scorners hath not sat. But in the great 
Jehovah's law is ever his delight, 
And in his law he studies day and night. 
He shall be as a tree which })lanted grows 
By watery streams, and in his season knows 
To yield his fruit, and his leaf shall not fall, 
And what he takes in hand shall prosper all. 
Not so the wicked, but as chaff which fanned 
The wind drives, so the wicked shall not stand 
In judgment, or abide their trial then, 
Nor sinners in the assembly of just men. 
For the Lord knows the upright way of the just 
And the way of bad men to ruin must. 



PSALM IL 
Done August 8, 1G53. 

Terzetie. 



Why do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations 

Muse a vain thing, the kings of the earth upstand 
With power, and princes in their congi-egatioi;-^ 

Lay deep their plots together through each land 



484 psALisis, 

Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? 

Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand 

Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear. 
Their twisted cords : he who in Heaven dotli dwell 
Shall laugh, the Lord shall scoff them, then severe 

Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell 
And fierce ire troul)le them ; but I, saith he, 
Anointed have my King (though ye rebel) 

On Sion my holy hill. A firm decree 
1 will declare : the Lord to me hath said, 
Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee 

This day ; ask of me, and the grant is madf ; 
As thy possession I on thee bestow 
I'he Heathen, and as thy conquest to be swayed 

Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bi-iiig full lo^v 
With iron sceptre bruised, and them disjerse 
Like to a potter's vessel shivered so. 

And now be wise at length, ye kings averse ; 
Be taught, ye judges of tlie earth ; with fear 
Jehovah serve, and let your joy converse 

With trembling ; kiss the Son, lest he appear 
Li anger, and ye perish in the way, 
If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. 

Happy all tliose who have in him theii- sta). 



]\SALiM III, 
August 9, 1653. 

Illicit Iw jled from Absalcm. 

1 <)K!>, how many are my foes ! 
How many those 
That in arms against me rise ! 
Many are they 
That of my life distrustfully doth say, 
No hel}) for him in God there lies. 
i>ul thou. Lord, art my shield, my glory, 
Thee through my story 



PSALMS. 486 

The exalter of my head I count ; 
Aloud I cried 
Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied, 
And heard me from his holy mount. 
I lay and slept, I waked again ; 
For my sustain 
Was the Lord. Of many millions 
The populous rout 
1 fear not, though encamping round about 
They pitch against me their pavilions. 
Rise, Lord, save me, my God, for thou 
Hast smote ere now 
On the cheek-bone all my foes. 
Of men abhorred 
Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Lord ; 
Thy blessing on thy people flows. 



PSALM IV. 

August 10, 165S. 

Answer me Avhen I call, 
God of my righteousness, 
Li straits and in distress 
Thou didst me disenthrall 
And set at large ; now spare, 

Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer. 

Great ones, how long will ye 
My glory have in scorn. 
How long be thus forborne 
Still to love vanity. 
To love, to seek, to prize 

Things false and vain, and nothing else but liesV 
Yet know the Lord hath chose. 
Chose to himself apart, 
Tlie good and meek of heart 
(For whom to choose he knows) ; 
Jeliovah from on high 

Will hear my voice what time to him 1 cry. 



486 PSALMS. 

Be awed, and do not sin, 
Sj^eak to your hearts alone, 
Upon your beds, each one, 
And be at peace within. 
Offer the offerings just 

Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust. 

Many there be that say. 
Who yet will show us good ? 
Talking like this world's brood ; 
But, Lord, thus let me pray, 
On us lift up the light, 

Lift up the the favour of thy countenance bright. 

Into my heart more joy 
And gladness thou hast put. 
Than when a year of glut 
Their stores doth over-cloy. 
And from their plenteous grounds 

With vast increase their corn and wine abounds. 

In peace at once will I 
Both lay me down and sleep, 
For thou alone dost keep 
Me safe where'er I lie : 
As in a rocky cell 

Thou, Lord, alone in safety mak'st me dwell. 



PSALM V. 

August 12, 1653. 

J jiHOVAH, to my words give ear, 
My meditation weigh ; 
The voice of my complaining hear. 
My King and God ; for unto thee I pray. 
Jehovah, thou my early voice 
Shall in the morning hear, 
I' the morning I to thee with choice 
Will rank my j^rayers, and watch till thou a])pear. 
For thou art not a God that takes 
In wickedness delight. 



PSALMS. , 487 

Evil with tiiee no biding makes, 
Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight. 
All workers of iniquity 

Thou hat'st ; and them unblest 
Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie ; 
The bloody and guileful man God doth detest. 
But I will in thy mercies dear, 
Thy numerous mercies, go 
Into thy house ; I in thy fear 
Will towards thy holy temple worship low. 
Lord, lead me in thy righteousness. 

Lead me because of those 
That do observe if I transgress ; 
Set thy ways right before, where my step goes. 
For in his faltering mouth unstable 

No word is firm or sooth ; 
Their inside, troubles miserable ; 
An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth. 
God, find them guilty, let them fall 

By their own counsels quelled ; 
Push them in their rebellions all 
Still on ; for against thee they have rebelled. 
Then all who trust in thee shall bring 

Their joy ; while thou from blame 
Defend'st them, they shall ever sing 
And shall triumph in thee, who love thy namfi, 
For thou, Jehovah, wilt be found 

To bless the just man still ; 
As with a shield thou wilt surrouna 
Him with thy lasting favour and good wilL 



PSALM VI. 

August 13, 1653. 

Lord, in thine anger do not reprehend me, 
Nor in thy hot displeasure me correct ; 
Pity me. Lord, for I am much deject. 
And very weak and faint ; heal and amend me 
For all my bones, that even with anguish ache, 



488 • PSALMS. 

Are troubled, yea my soul is troubled sore, 

And thou, O Lord, how long ? turn. Lord, restore 
My soul ; oh, save me for thy goodness sake : 
For in death no remembrance is of thee ; 

Who in the grave can celebrate thy j3raise ? 

Wearied I am with sighing out my days, 
Niglitly my couch I make a kind of sea ; 
My bed I water with my tears ; mine eye 

Through grief consumes, is waxen old and dark 

I' the midst of all mine enemies that mark. 
Depart all ye that work iniquity. 
Depart from me ; for the voice of my weeping 

The Lord hath heard, the Lord hath heard my prayer, 

My supplication with acceptance fair 
The Lord will own, and have me in his keeping. 
Mine enemies shall all be blank and dashed 

With much confusion ; then grown red witli shame, 

They shall return in haste the way they came, 
A.nd in a moment shall be quite abashed. 



PSALM vn. 

August 14, 1653. 

Upon the words of Chush the Benjamite against Ats*. 

Lord, my God, to thee I fly ; 
Save me and secure me under 
Tliy j)rotection while I cry, 
Lest as a lion (and no won<lor) 
Pie haste to tear my soul asunder, 
Tearingj and no rescue nioli. 

Lord, my God, if I have thought 
Or done this ; if wickedness 
Be in my hands, if I h:ive wrought 
111 to him that meant me ])eace. 
Or to him have rendered less. 
And not freed my foe for nought ; 



PSALMS. 

Let the enemy pursue my soul 
And overtake it ; let him tread 
My life down to the earth, and roll 
In the dust my glory dead, 
In the dust ; and, there outspread, 
Lodge it with dishonour foul. 

Rise, Jehovah, in thine ire. 

Rouse th3^self amidst the rage 

Of my foes that urge like fire ; 

And wake for me, their fury assuage ; 

Judgment here thou didst engage 

And command, which I desire. 

So the assemblies of each nation 
Will surround thee, seeking right, 
Thence to thy glorious habitation 
Return on high, and in their sight. 
Jehovah judgeth most upright 
All people from the world's foundation* 

Judge me, Lord, be judge in this 
According to my righteousness, 
And the innocence which is 
Upon me : cause at length to cease 
Of evil men the wickedness 
And their power that do amiss. 

But the just establish fast. 

Since thou art the just God that tries 

Hearts and reins. On God is cast 

My defence, and in him lies, 

In him who both just and wise 

Saves the upright of heart at last. 

God is a just judge and severe, 

And God is every day offended ; 

If the unjust will not forbear. 

His sword he whets, his bow hath bended 

Already, and for him intended 

The tools of death, that waits him near. 



4)0 PSALMS. 

(His arrows purposely made lie 
For them that persecute.) Behold 
He travels big with vanity, 
Trouble he hath conceived of old 
As in a womb, and from that mould 
Hath at length brought forth a lie. 

He digged a pit, and delved it deep, 

And fell into the pit he made ; 

His mischief that due course dotli keep^ 

Turns on his head, and his ill trade 

Of violence will, undelayed. 

Fall on his crown with ruin steep. 

Then will I Jehovah's praise 
According to his justice raise, 
And sing the Name and Deity 
Of Jehovah the most high. 



PSALM VIII. 
August 14, 1653. 

O Jehovah our Lord, how wondrous great 

And glorious is thy name through all the earth \ 

So as above the heavens thy praise to set 
Out of the tender mouths of latest birth. 

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou 
Hast founded strength because of all thy foes, 

To stint the enemy, and slack the avenger's brow, 
That bends his rage thy providence to oppose. 

When I behold thy heavens, thy fingers' art. 

The moon and stars which thou so bright hast set 

In the pure firmament, then saith my heart. 
Oh, what is man that thou rememberest yet, 

And think' st upon him ; or of man begot. 

That him thou visit'st, and of him art found ? 

Scarce to be less than gods, thou mad'st his lot, 

AYith honour and with state thou hast him crowned. 



PSALMS. 491 

O'er the works of thy haiul thou mad'st him lord, 

Thou hast put all under his lordly feet, 
All flocks, and herds, by thy commanding word, 

All beasts that in the field or forest meet, 

Fowl of the heavens, and fish that through the wet 
Sea paths in shoals do slide, and know no dearth. 

O Jehovah our Lord, how wondrous great 

And glorious is thy name through all the earth ! 



April, 1648. J. M. 

[Xine of the Psalms done into metre, wherein all, but whp.t is in a diffor- 
eut character, are the very words of the text, translated from the 
original. ] 

PSALM LXXX. 

1 Thou Shepherd that dost Israel keep^ 

Give ear in time of need^ 
Who leadest like a flock of sheep 

Thy loved Joseph's seed. 
That sitt'st between the cherubs bright^ 

JBetioeen their icings out-spread^ 
Shine forth, cmdfrom thy cloud give lights 

And 071 our foes thy dread. 

2 In Ephraim's view and Benjamin's, 

And in Manasse's sight, 
Awake thy strength, come, and he seen 
To save us hy thy might. 

3 Turn us again, thy grace divine 

To us, O God, vouchsafe / 
Cause thou thy fa<5e on us to shine, 
And then we shall be safe. 

4 Lord God of Hosts, how long wilt thou, 

How long w^ilt thou declare 
Thy smoking wrath, and angry hrow 
Against thy j^eople's prayer ! 

5 Thou feed'st them with the bread of tears, 

Their bread with tears they eat, 
And mad'st them largely drink the tears 
Wherewith their cheeks are wet. 



492 PS ALMS. 

6 A strife thou mak'st us and a prey 

To every neighbour foe, 
Amongst themselves they laugh, they plajj 
And flouts at us they throw. 

7 Return us, and thy grace divine^ 

O God of Hosts, vouchsafe^ 
Cause thou thy face on us to shine. 
And then we shall be safe. 

8 A vine from Egypt thou hast brought, 

Thy free love 7nade it thine^ 
And drov'st out nations, proud and haut^ 
To plant this lovely vine. 

9 Thou didst prepare for it a place, 

And root it deep and fast, 

That it began to groic apace^ 

And filled the land at last. 

10 With her go-een shade that covered alL 

The hills were oversjyread.. 
Her boughs as high as cedars tall 
Advanced their lofty head. 

11 Her branches oti the western side 

Down to the sea she sent. 
And upioard to that river wide 
Her other branches loent. 

12 Why hast thou laid her hedges low, 

And broken down her fence. 
That all may pluck her, as -they go, 
^Yith rudest violence f 

13 The tusked boar out of the wood 

Upturns it by the roots,. 
Wild beasts there browse, and make their food 
Her grapes and tender shoots, 

14 Return now, God of Hosts, look down 

From Heaven, thy seat divine, 
Behold ws, hut loithout afrown^ 
And visit this thy vine. 

15 Visit this vine, which thy right hand 

Hath set, and planted lo7ig.f 
And the young branch, that for thyself 
Thou hast made firm and stronof. 



PSALMS- 493 



16 But now it is consumed with fire. 

And cut vnth axes down ; 
They perish at thy dreadful ii-e, 
At thy rebuke and frown. 

17 U])on the man of thy right hand 

Let thy good hand be laid^ 
U]^on the son of man, whom thou 
Strong for thyself hast made. 

18 So shall we not go back from tlice 

To ways of sin and shame ; 
Quicken us thou, then gladly we 
Shall call upon thy name. 

19 Keturn us, and thy grace divine, 

Lord God of Hosts, vouchsafe^ 
Cause thou thy face ca^ us to shine. 
And then we shall be safe. 



PSALM LXXXI. 

1 To God our strength sing loud, and d*:<ir^ 

Sing loud to God our King^ 
To Jacob's God, that all may hear. 
Loud acclamations ring. 

2 Prepare a hyinn, prepare a song, 

The timbrel hither bring. 
The cheerfid psaltery bring along, 
And harp vylth pleasant string. 
8 Blow, as is zvont, in the new moon 
With trumpets' lofty sound., 
Tlie ajjpointed time, the day whereor. 
Our solemn feast comes round. 

4 This was a statute given of old 

For Israel to observe., 
A law of Jacob's God, to hold., 
From, v'hence they might not sioerve, 

5 Tills he a testimony ordained 

In Joseph, not to change^ 
When as he passed throngh Egypt land ; 
The tongue I heard was istrange. 



■194 - PR ALMS. 

G Yvom burden, and from slamsh toil^ 
I set his shoulder tVee : 
Ilisli.'iiids from pots, and 'iniri/ soil. 
Dcilivered were by me. 

7 Wlicn trouble did thee sore asHail, 

Or me then didst thou call, 
And I to free thee did not fail. 

And led thee out of thrall. 
I answered thee in thunder deep 

With clouds encompassed round ; 
I tried thee at the water steep 

Of Meribah renowned. 

8 Hear, O my people, hearken viell^ 

I testify to tliee, 
Thou ancient stock o/ Israel, 
If thou w^ilt list to me, 

9 Tlirougiiout the land of thy abode 

No alien god sliall be. 
Nor shalt thou to a foreign god 
In honour bend thy knee. 

10 I am the Lord thy God, whicli brought 

Thee out of Egypt land ; 
Ask large enough, and I, besouf/ht., 
Will grant thy full demand. 

11 And 3^et my people would not hear., 

Nor hearken to my voice ; 
And Israel, ivhom I loved so dear., 
Misliked me for his choice. 
VI Then did I leave them to their will, 
And to their wandei-ing mind ; 
Tlieir own conceits they followed still, 
Thii" own devices blind. 

13 Oh, that my people would be wise. 

To serve me all their days ! 

And oh, that Israel would advise 

To walk my righteous ways ! 

14 Then would I soon bring down their Ica^. 

That noio so proudly rise., 
And turn my hand against all those 
That are their enemies. 



PSALMS. 495 

15 \Vho hate the Lord should then, he fain 

To bow to him and bend ; 
15 ut they^ his people^ should rern ah i^ 
Their time should have no end. 

16 And he would feed them/rom the .'<hock 

With flour of finest wheat, 

And satisfy them from the rocic 

With honey /or thci?' meat. 



PSALM LXXXIL 

1 God in the great assembly stands 

Of kings and lordly states^ 
Among whe gods, on both his hands 
He judges and debates. 

2 I low long will ye pervert the right 

With judgment false and Avrong, 
Favouring the wicked by your anight. 
Who thence grow hold and strong? 

3 llegard the weak and fatherless, 

Despatch the poor man's cause. 
And raise the man in deep distress 
By just and equal laws, 

4 Defend the poor and desolate, 

And rescue from the liands 

Of wicked men the low estate 

Of him that help demands. 

5 They know not, nor will understand, 

In darkness they walk on ; 
The earth's foundations all are moved, 
And out of order gone. 

6 I said that ye were gods, yea all 

The sons of God Most High ; 

7 But ye shall die like men, and fall 

As other princes die. 

8 Rise, God, judge thou the earth in wight^ 

This vncked earth redress, 
For thou art he wlio shalt by right 
The nations all possess. 



t96 PSALMS. 

PSALM LXXXIII. 

1 Be not thou silent noio at lengthy 

O God, hold not thy peace ; 
Sit thou not still, O God of strau/th., 
We cry^ and do not cease. 

2 I^'or lo, \X\^ furious foes noio swell, 

And storm outrageously; 
And they that hate \\\qq^ proud and feU^ 
1 Exalt their heads full high. 

8 Against thy people they contrive 

Their plots and counsels dee]), 
'i'hem to ensnare they chiefly str'n-e, 
Whom thou dost hide and keej). 

4 Come, let us cut them off, say tliey, 

Till they no nation be ; 
'J1iat Israel's name for ever may 
Be lost in memory. 
:> V'^x they consult with all their miglit, 
And all as one in mind 
Themselves against thee they unite, 
And in firm union bind. 

6 The tents of Edora, and the bi-ood 

Of scornful Ishmael, 
Moab, with them of Hagar's blood, 
That in the desert dioell^ 

7 Gebal and Amnion tJiere conspire^ 

And hateful Am alec, 
The Philistines, and they of Tyre, 
Whose bounds the sea doth check. 

5 With them great Ashur also bands 

And doth confirm the hnot: 
All these have lent their armed hands 
To aid the sons of Lot. 

9 Do to them as to Midian hold^ 

That wasted all the coast, 
To Sisera, and as is told 

Thou didst to Jabin's host, 
When at the brook of Kishon old 

They loere repidsed and slain^ 



PSALMfci 497 

10 At Endor quite cut off, and rollpd 

As dung upon the plain. 

11 As Zeb and Oreb evil sped, 

8o let their ])rinces speedy 
As Zeb a and Zalmunna hled^ 
So let their princes bleed. 

12 For they amidst their pride have said, 

By right now shall we seize 
God's liouses, and will now inviade 
Their stately palaces. 

13 My God, oh make them as a wheel, 

vVb quiet let themjlnd; 
Giddy and restless let them reel 
Like stubble from the wind. 

14 As when an aged wood takes hre 

WhicJi on a sudden strays, 
The greedy flame runs higher and higlior 
Till all the mountains blaze, 

15 So with thy whirlwind them pursue, 

And with thy tempest chase ; 

16 And till they yield thee honour due, 

Lord, fill with shame their face. 

17 Ashamed, and troubled, let them be, 

Troubled and shamed for ever, 
Ever confounded, and so die 

With shame, a?id ^ scape it never. 

18 Then shall they know that thou, whose name 

Jehovah is alone. 
Art tlie most high, a7id thou the same 
O'er all the earth art one. 



PSALM LXXXIV. 

How lovely are thy dwellings fair 
O Lord of hosts, how^ dear 

The pleasant tabernacles are. 
Where thou dost dwell so near / 
32 



498 PSALMS. 

2 My soul doth long and almost die 

Thy courts, O Lord, to see, 
My heart and flesh aloud do cry, 
O living God, for thee. 

3 There even the sparrow, /reec^/rowi wrong 

Hath found a house of rest. 
The swallow there, to lay her young 

Hath built her brooding nest ; 
Even by thy altars. Lord of Hosts, 

They find their safe abode ; 
And home they fly from round the coasts^ 

Toward thee, my King, my God. 

4 Plappy, who in thy house reside. 

Where thee they ever praise, 

5 Hajjpy, whose strength in thee doth bide, 

And in their hearts thy ways. 

6 They pass through Baca's thirsty vaie, 

That dry and barren ground. 
As through a fruitful watery dale 
Where springs and showers abound. 

7 They journey on from strength to strength 

With joy and gladsome cheer. 
Till all before our God at length 
In Sion do appear. 

8 Lord God of Hosts, hear now my prayer, 

O Jacob's God give ear ; 

9 Thou God, our shield, look on the face 

Of thy anointed dear. 
iO For one day in thy courts to be 

Is better, and more blest. 
Than in the joys of vanity 

A thousand days at best. 
I in the temple of my God 

Had rather keep a door, 
Than dwell in tents, and rich abode, 

With sin for evermore. 
11 For God the Lord, both sun and shield, 

Gives grace and glory bright ; 
No good from them shall be witlilield 

Whose ways are just and right. 



PSALMS. 



499 



V2 Lord God of Hosts that reigri'st on highly 
That man is truly blest, 
Who only on thee doth rely, 
And in thee only rest. 



PSALM LXXXV. 

i TiiY land to favor graciously 

Thou hast not, Lord, been slack ; 
Tlioii hast from hard captivity 
Returned Jacob back. 
2 Tlie iniquity thou didst forgive 
That icrouc/ht thy people woe ; 
/vnd all theii- sin, tJiat did thee grieve^ 
Hast liid ichere none shall knoic. 
o Tliine anger all thou hadst removed, 
And calmly didst return 
From thy fierce wrath which we had provtMi 
Far worse than fire to burn. 

4 God of our saving health and peace, 

Tui-n us, and us restore ; 
Tliine indignation cause to cease 
Toward us, and chide no more. 

5 Wilt thou be angry without end, 

For ever angry thus ? 
Wilt thou thy frowning ire extend 

From age to age on us ? 
G Wilt thou not turn, and hear our voic€y 

And us again revive ; 
That so thy people may rejoice 

By thee preserved alive. 

7 Cause us to see thy goodness. Lord. 

To us thy mercy shew ; 
'I'hy saving health to us afford. 
And life in us renew. 

8 And nov3 what God the Lord will speak ^ 

I will go straight and hear ; 
For to his people he speaks peacfi, 
And to his sair.ts full dear^ 



500 PSALMS. 

To his dear saints he will speak peace, 

But let them never more 
Return to folly, hut surcease 

To trespass as before. 
9 Surely to such as do him fear 

Salvation is at hand ; 
And glory shall ere long appear 

To dwell within our land. 

10 Mercy and Truth that long loere missed 

Now joyfully are met ; 
Siceet Peace and Righteousness have kissed, 
And hand in hand are set. 

11 Truth from the earth, like to a flower., 

Shall bud and blossom then. ; 
And Justice from her heavenly bower 
Look down on mortal men. 

12 The Lord will also then bestow 

Whatever thing is good ; 
Our land shall forth in plenty tlirow 
Her fruits to he our food. 

13 Before him Righteousness shall go. 

His roycd harhinger : 
Then will he come, and not be slow, 
His footsteps cannot err. 



PSALM LXXXVI. 

Thy gracious ear, O Lord, incline, 

hear me, I thee pray^ 
For I am poor, and almost pine 

With need, and sad decay. 
Preserve my soul, for I have trod 

Thy ways, and love the just ; 
Save thou thy servant, O my God, 

Who still in thee doth trust. 
Pity me. Lord, for daily thee 

1 call ; 4. Oh, "make rejoice 

Thy servant's soul ; for. Lord, to thee 
I lift my soul and voice. 



PSALMR. 

5 For thou art good, thou, Lord, art prone 

To pardon, thou to all 
Art full of mercy, thou alojie 
To them that on thee call. 

6 Unto my supplication. Lord, 

Give ear, and to the cry 
Of my incessant prayers afford 

Thy hearing graciously. 
T 1 in the day of my distress 

Will call on thee/br aid ; 
For thou wilt grant uiQfree access^ 

And answer what I prayed. 

8 Like thee among the gods is none, 

Lord, nor any works 

Of all that other gods have done 
Like to thy glorious woi-ks. 

9 The nations all whom thou hast made 

Shall come, and all shall frame 
To bow them low before thee. Lord, 
And glorify thy name. 

10 For great thou art, and wonders great 

By thy strong hand are done, 
Thou i7i thy everlasting seat 
Remainest God alone. 

11 Teach me, O Lord, thy way most rights 

1 in thy truth w^ill bide. 

To fear thy name my heart unite, 
So shall it never slide, 

12 Thee will I praise, O Lord my God, 

Thee honour a7id adore 
With my whole heart, and blaze abroati 
Thy name for evermore. 

13 For great thy mercy is toward me. 

And thou hast freed my soul, 
Even from the lowest hell set free, 
From deepest darkness foul. 

14 O God ! the proud against me rise, 

And violent men are met 
To seek my life, and in their eyes 
No fear of thee have set. 



601 



502 PSALMS. 

15 But thou, Lord, art the God most mild, 
Readiest thy grace to show. 
Slow to be angry, and art styled 
Most merciful, most true. 
IG Oh, turn to me thy face at lengthy 
And me have mercy on ; 
Unto thy servant give thy strength, 
And save thy handmaid's son. 
17 Some sign of good to me afford. 
And let my foes then see. 
And be ashamed ; because thou, Lord, 
Dost help and comfort me. 



PSALM LXXXVII. 

1 AivroNG the holy mountains high 

Is his foundation fast. 
There seated is his sa7ictuary^ 
Sis temijle there is placed. 

2 Sion's^/'ttiV gates the Lord loves more 

Than all the dwellings ^/a«> 
Of Jacob's land^ thougli there he store^ 
And all within his care. 

3 City of God, most glorious things 

Of thee abroad are spoke ; 

4 I mention Egypt, where proud lings 

Did our forefathers yoke ; 
I mention Babel to my friends, 

Philistia/?^/^ of scor7i^ 
And Tyre with Ethiop's utmost ends. 

Lo this man there was born : 

5 But twice that praise shall in our ear 

Be said of Sion last ; 
'J'his and this man was born in her, 
High God shall fix her fast. 

6 The Lord shall write it in a scroll. 

That ne'er shall be out-worn. 
When he the nations doth enrol, 
That this man there was born. 



PSALMS. 503 

Both they who sing, and they who dance, 

With sacred songs are there / 
In the fresh brooks^ and soft streams glance^ 

Aiid all my fountains clear. 



PSALM LXXXYIII. 

1 Lord God, that dost me save and keep, 

All day to thee I cry ; 
And all night long before thee ^ee/^, 
Before thee prostrate lie. 

2 Into thy presence let my prayer 

With sighs devout ascend^ 
And to my cries that ceaseless are^ 
Thine ear with favour bend. 

3 For cloyed with woes and trouble store 

Surcharged my soul doth lie ; 
My life at death's iincheerful door 
Unto the grave draws nigh. 

4 Reckoned I am with them that pass 

Down to the dismal pit ; 

I am a man, but weak, alas ! 

And for that name unfit. 

5 From life discharged and parted quite 

Among the dead to sleep ; 
And like the slain in bloody fight 

That in the grave lie deep. 
Whom thou rememberest no more, 

Dost never more regard ; 
Them from thy hand delivered o'er. 

Deaths hideous house hath barred, 
% Thou in the lowest pit profound 

Hast set me all forlorn^ 
Where thickest darkness hovers round. 

In horrid deeps to mourn. 
7 Thy wrath, from which no shelter saveSy 

Full sore doth press on me ; 
Thou break'st upon me all thy waves, 

And all thy waA^es break me. 



504 



PSALMS. 



8 Tliou dost my friends from me estrnnge. 
And mak'st me odious, 
Me to them odious, /br they chang( , 
And I here pent up thus. 
'J Tlirough sorrow, and affliction great. 
Mine eye grows dim and dead ; 
Loi-d, all tlie day I thee entreat, 
My hands to thee I spread. 
10 Wilt thou do wonders on the dea<] ? 
Shall the deceased arise. 
And praise thee/rom their loatJa-'Ome bed 
Wlthjpale and hollow eyes? 
U Sliall they thy loving kindness tell 
On whom the grave hath hold., 
Or they who in perdition dwell, 
Thy faithfulness unfold f 

12 In darkness can thy mighty hand 

Or wondrous acts be known ? 
Thy justice in the gloomy land 
Of dark oblivion ? 

13 But I to thee, O Lord, do cry, 

Ere yet my life he spent ; 
And up to thee my prayer doth hie. 
Each morn, and tliee prevent. 

14 Why wilt thou, Lord, my soul foi'sake, 

And hide thy face from me, 

15 That am already bruised, and shake 

With terror sent from thee ? 
I^i'uised and afflicted, and so low 

As ready to expire ; 
Wliile I thy terrors undergo, 

Astonished with thine ire. 

16 Thy fierce wrath over me doth flow, 

Thy threaten in gs cut me through : 

17 All day they round about me go, 

Like waves they me pursue. 

18 Lover and friend thou hast removed, 

And severed from me far : 
They^y me now whom I have loved, 
And as in darkness are. 



PSALMS. 505 

A PARAPHRASE ON PSALM CXIV. 

[This and the following Psalm were done by the Author at 
fifteen years old.] 

When the blest seed of Terah's faithful son, 

After long toil, their liberty had won, 

And past from Pharian fields to Canaan land, 

Led by the strength of the Almighty's hand, 

Jehovah's wonders were in Israel shown. 

His praise and glory were in Israel known. 

That saw the troubled sea, and shiv^ering fled, 

And sought to hide his froth-becurled head 

Low in tlie earth ; Jordan's clear streams recoil, 

As a faint host that hath received the foil. 

The high, huge-bellied mountains skipped like rams 

Amongst +,heir ewes, the little hills like lambs. 

Why fled the ocean? And why skipped the mountains? 

Why turned Jordan towards his crystal fountains ? 

Shake, Earth ! and at the presence be aghast 

Of him that ever was, and aye shall last ; 

That glassy floods from rugged rocks can crush, 

And make soft rills from fiery flint-stones gush. 



PSALIM CXXXVL 

i^p:T us, with a gladsome mind, 
Praise the Lord, for he is kind : 

For his raercies aye endure, 

Ever faithful, ever sure. 

Let us blaze his name abroad, 
For of gods he is the God : 
For his, &c. 

Oh, let us his praises tell, 
Who doth the wrathful tyrants quell 
For his, &c. 

Who with his miracles doth make 
Amaz6d Heaven and earth to shake: 
For his, &c. 



50b t»SALM:s. 

Who by his wisdom did create 
The painted heavens so full of state : 
For his, &c. 

Who did the solid earth ordain 
To rise above the watery plain : 
For his, &c. 

Who, by his all commanding might, 
Did fill the new-made world with light 
For his, &c. 

And caused the golden-tressed sun 
All the day long his course to run : 
For his, &g. 

The horned moon to shine by night, 
Amongst her spangled sisters bright : 
For his, &g. 

He, with his thunder-clasping hand, 
Smote the first-born of Egypt land : 
For his, &c. 

And in despite of Pharao fell, 
He brought from thence his Israel : 
For his, &g. 

The ruddy waves he cleft in twain 
Of the Erythraean main : 
For his, &c. 

The floods stood still like walls of glass 
While the Hebrew bands did pass : 
For his, &c. 

But full soon they did devour 
The tawny king with all his power : 
For his, &g. 

His chosen people he did bless 
In the wasteful wilderness : 
For his, &g. 



PSALMS. 607 

In bloody battle he brought down 
Kings of prowess and renown : 
For his, &g. 

He foiled bold Seon and his host, 
That ruled the Amorrean coast : 
For his, &c. 

And large-limbed Og he did subdue, 
With all his over-liardy crew : 
For his, &c. 

And to his servant Israel, 
He gave their land therein to dwell : 
For his, &c. 

He hath, with a piteous eye, 
Beheld us in our misery : 
For his, &c. 

And freed us fi'om the slavery 
Of the invading enemy : 
For his, &c. 

All living creatures he doth feed, 
And with full hand supplies tlieir need 
For his, &g. 

Let us therefore warble forth 
His mighty majesty and worth : 
For his, &g. 

That his mansion hath on high 
Above the reach of mortal eye : 

For his mercies aye endure. 

Ever faithful, ever sure. 



JOHANNIS MILTONI. 

LONDINENSIS 

QUORUM rr-ERAQUE INTRA ANNUM ^TATIS VIGESIJIUJI C0NSC1UP8IT 



H.nec quffi sequuntur de Autliore testimonia, tnmetsi ipse intelligebat 
noil tam de se quam supra se esse dicta, eo quod prseclaro iugenio viri, 
nee noil amici ita fere solent laudare. ut omnia suis potius viitutibus, 
quam veritati congruentia nimis cupide affingant, noluit tamer horum 
egregiani in se voluntatem non esse notam; cum alii praeseitim ut id 
faceret magnopere suaderent. Dum enim nimioe laudis invidiam totis 
ab se viribus amolitur, sibique quod plus aequo est non attributum esse 
mavult, judicium interim hominum cordatorum atque iilustrium quiu 
summo sibi hoiiori ducat, negare non potest. 

JOANNES BAPTISTA MANSUS, MARCHIO VILLENSIS, NEAPOLI- 
TANUS, 

AD 

JOANNEM MILTONIUM ANGLUM. 

Ut mens, forma, decor, facies, mos, si pietas sic, 
Non Anglus, vertim hercle Angeliis ipse fores. 

AD JOANNEM MILTONEM ANGLUM 

TKiri.TCI POESEOS LAUREA CORONANDUM, 

Orceco nimirum, Latina, atque Hetnisca, Epigramma Joamm Salsillt 
Romani. 

Cede Meles, cedat depressa Mincius uma; 

Sebetus Tassiim desinat usque loqui ; 
At Thamesis victor cunctis ferat altior undas, 

Nam per te, Milto, par tribus unus erit. 

(508) 



POEM AT A. 



AD JOANNEM MILTONUM. 



509 



Grjecja MaH)niclem, jactet sibi Roma Maronem, 
Aiigiia Miltonum jactat utrique parem. 

Selvaggi. 

AL SIGNlOll GIO. MILTONI NOBILE INGLESE. 

Ode. 

P^iiGiMi air Etra 6 Clio 

Pcrche di stelle intrecciero corona, 

Non piti del biondo Dio 

I.a fronde eterna in Pindo, e in Elicona, 

Dionsi a merto maggior, maggiori i fregi, 

A' celeste virti\ celesti pregi. 

Non piio del tempo edace 
Riinaner preda, eterno alto valore, 
Non puo 1' oblio rapace 
Furar dalle memorie eccelso onore ; 
Sii 1' arco di mia cetra un dardo forte 
V^irtti m' adatti, e feriro la morte. 

Del Ocean profondo 

Cinta dagli ampi gorglii Anglia resiedo 

Separata dal mondo, 

Pero che.il suo valor I'umana eccede : 

Questa seconda sa produrre Eroi, 

Cir lianno a ragion del sovruman tra noi. 

Alia virtti sbandita 

Danno ne i petti lor fido ricetto, ^ 

Quella gli c sol gradita, 

Perclie in lei san trovar gioia e dilctto; 

Pidillo tu, Giovanni, e mostra in tanto 

Con tua vera virtti, vero il mio canto. 

Lungi dal patrio lido 

Spinse Zeusi 1' industre ardente brama , 

Cli' udio d' Helena il grido 

Con aurea tromba rimbombar la fama, 

E per potei'la effigiare al paro 

"Dalle piti belle Idee trasse il piti raro. 



510 POEMATA. 

Cosi 1' ape ingegnosa 

Trae con industria il siio liquor pregiato 

Dal giglia e dalla rosa, 

E quanti vaghi fiori ornano il prato ; 

Formano iin dolce suon diverse chorde, 

Fan varie voci melodia concorde. 

Di bella gloria amante 

Milton dal Ciel natio per A^arie parti 

Le peregrine piante 

Volgesti a ricercar scienze, ed arti ; 

Del Gallo regnator vedesti i regni, 

E dell' Italia ancor gi' Eroi piti dcgni. 

Fabro quasi divino 

Sol virtti rintracciando il tuo pensiero 

Vide in ogni coniino 

Chi di nobil valor calca il sentiero ; 

L' ottimo dal migiior dopo scegliea 

Per fabbricar d'ogni virtu 1' idea. 

Quanti nacquero in Flora 

in lei del parlar Tosco ajDpreser 1' arte, 
La cui memoria onora 

II mondo fatta eterna in dotte carte, 
Volesti ricercar per tuo tesoro, 
E parlasti con lor nell' opre loro. 

Neir altera Babelle 

Per te il parlar confuse Giove in vano, 

Che per varie favelle 

Di se stessa trofeo cadde su '1 piano : 

Ch' ode oltr' all' Anglia il suo piti degno idioma 

Spagna, Francia, Toscana, e Grecia, e Rouia. 

1 piti profondi arcani 

Ch' occulta la natura e in cielo e in terra 
Ch' a ingegni sovrumani 
Troppo avara tal' hor gli chiude, e scrra, 
Chiaramente conosci, e giungi-al fine 
Delia moral virtude al gran confiuc. 



I»OEMATA> 5l] 

Nou batta il Tempo 1' ale, 

Fermisi immoto, e in un fermin si gV anni, 

Clie di virtti immortale 

Scorron di troj^po ingiuriosi a i danni ; 

Che s' opre degne di poema o storia 

Furon gia, 1' liai presenti alia memoria. 

J )amini tua dolce cetra 

Se vuoi cli' io dica del too dolce canto, 

C'li' inalzandoti all' Etra 

J)i farti huonio celeste ottiene il vanto, 

Jl Tamigi il dira che gV e concesso 

J\>r te, suo cigno, parreggiar Permesso. 

I o clie in riva del Arno 

Tonto spiegar tuo merto alto c preclaro, 

So che fatico indarno, 

E ad ammirar, non a lodarlo imparo ; 

Freno dun que la lingua, e ascolto il core 

Che ti prende a lodar con lo stupore. 

Del sig. Antonio Feancini, 

Gentilhuomo Fiorentino. 



JOANNI MILTONI 

LONDIKENSi: 

Juveni patria, virhitibiis, eximio, 

Viijo qui raulta peregrin atione, studio cuncta orbis 
lerrarum loca perspexit, ut novus Ulysses omnia ubique 
lib omnibus apprehenderet : 

l^olyglotto, in cujus ore linguae jam deperditre sic re- 
viviscunt, ut idiom ata omnia sint in ejus laudibus infa- 
cunda ; et jure ea percallet, ut admirationes et plausus 
populorum ab propria sa])ientia excitatos intelligat : 

Illi, cujus animi dotes corporisque sensus ad admii-a 
tionem commovent, et per ipsam motum cuique auferunt , 
cujus opera ad plausus liortantur, sed venustate vocem 
laudatoribus adimunt. 



512 POEMATA. 

Cui in memoria totus orbis ; in intellectn saj^Ientia ; 
in voluntate ardor glorias ; in ore eloquentia ; harmonicoa 
ccelestium sphaerarum sonitus astronomia duce audienti ; 
characteres mirabilinm naturse per quos Dei magnitudo 
describitur raagistra philosophia legenti ; antiquitatum 
latebras, vetustatis excidia, eruditionis ambages, comite 
assidua auctorum lectiono^ 

*' Exquirenti, restauranti, percurreuti. 
At cur nitor in arduuni ? " 

Illi in cujus virtutibus evulgandis ora Famae non suffi- 
ciant, nee hominum stupor in laudandis satis est, rever- 
entiae et anioris ergo hoc ejus meritis debitum admira- 
tionis tributum offert Caiiolus Datus, Patricius Floren- 
tinus, 

Tanto homini servus, tantae virtutis amator 



(Blegiarnm %\hn ^mu. 



ELEGIA PRIMA 
Ad Carolum Deodatum. 

Tandem, chare, tuss mihi pervenere tabella3 ; 

Pertulit et voces nimcia charta tuas ; 
Pertulit, occidua Devse Cestrensis ab ora 

Vergivium prono qua petit amne saliim. 
Multiim, crede, juvat terras aluisse remotas 

Pectus amans nostri, tamque fidele caput, 
Quodque niihi lepidum tellus longinqua sodalem 

Debet, at unde brevi reddere jussa velit. 
Me tenet urbs reflua quam Tliamesis alluit unda, 

Meque nee iiivitum patria didcis habet. 
Jam nee arundiferum mihi cura revisere Camura, 

Nee dudum vetiti me laris angit amor. 
Nu.da nee arva placent, umbrasque negantia molki£ 

Quam male Phoebicolis convenit ille locus ! 
Nee duri libet usque minas perferre magistri, 

Cseteraque ingenio non subeunda meo. 
Si sit hoc exilium patrios adiisse penates, 

Et vacuum curis otia grata sequi, 
Non ego vel profugi nomen, sortemve recuse, 

Laetus et exilii conditione fruor. 
O utinam vates nun quam graviora tulisset 

Ille Tomitano flebilis exul agro ; 
Non tunc lonio quicquam cessisset Homero, 

Neve foret victo laus tibi prima Maro. 
33 



5i4 



ELEGTARUM LIBER PRIMtJS. 



'.Tempora nam licet hie placidis dare libera Musis, 

Et totnm rapiunt me mea vita libri. 
Excipit liinc fessmii sinuosi pompa theatri, 

Et vocat ad j^lausiis garrula seen a suos. 
Sen catus auditnr senior, sen prodigus han-ep, 

Sen proeus, aut posita easside miles adest, 
Sive deeennali fceemidns lite patronus 

Detonat inculto barbara verba foro ; 
Saepe vafer gnato snecurrit servus amanti, ' 

Et nasum rigidi fallit ubique ])atris ; 
Sa?pe novos illie virgo mirata ealores 

Quid sit amor neseit, dum quoque neseit, am at 
Sive cruentatum furiosa Tragcedia seeptrum 

Quassat, et effusis erinibus ora rotat, 
Et dolet, et speeto, juvat et speetasse dolendo, 

Interdum et laerymis duleis amaror inest : 
Sen puer infelix indelibata reliquit 

Gaudia, et abrupto flendus am ore eadit; 
Seu ferns e tenebris iterat Styga criminis ultor, 

Conseia funereo peetora torre movens ; 
Seu moeret Pelopeia domus, seu nobilis Hi, 

Aut luit incestos aula Creontis avos. 
Sed neque sub tecto semj^er nee in urbe latemu& 

Irrita nee nobis tempora veris eunt. 
Nos quoque iucus habet vicina eonsitus ulmo, 

Atque suburbani nobilis umbra loci. 
Saepius hie blandas spirantia sidera flammas, 

Virgineos videas prosteriisse choros. 
Ah quoties dignge stupui miracula formae, 

Quae possit senium vel reparare Jovis ! 
Ah quoties vidi superantia lumina gemmas, 

Atque faces, quotquot volvit uterque pohis ; 
Collaque bis vivi Pelopis qufe brachia vincant, 

Quaeque fluit puro neetare tineta via ; 
Et deeus eximium frontis, tremulosque eapillos, 

Aurea quae fallax retia tendit amor ; 
Pellacesque genas, ad quos hyaeinthina sordet 

Purpura, et ipse tui fioris, Adoni, rubor ! 
Cedite laudatae toties Heroides oUm, 

Et quaeeunque vagum cepit arnica Jovera : 



ELEGIAKUM LIBEE PRIMUS. 515 

Cedite Ach^emeniae turrita fronte puellse, 

Et quot Siisa colimt, Memnoniamqiie Ninon. 
Vos etiam Danase fasces submittite Nyniplite, 

Et vos IliacaB, Roniuleaeqiie nuriis. 
Nee Pompeianas Tarpeia Musa coliimnas 

Jactet, et Ausoniis plena tlieatra stolis. 
Gloria virginibiis debetuv prima Britannis, 

Extera sat tibi sit foemina posse sequi. 
Tuque urbs Dardaniis, Londinum, structa colonisj 

Turrigerum late conspicienda caput, 
Tu nimium felix intra tua mcenia claudis 

Quicquid formosi pendulus orbis habet. 
Non tibi tot coelo scintillant astra sereno, 

Endymionese turba ministra deae, 
Quot tibi, conspicuse formaque auroque puella) 

Per medias radiant turba videnda vias. 
Creditur hue geminis venisse invecta coluinbis 

Alma pharetrigero milite cincta Venus, 
Huic Cnidon, et riguas Simoentis liumine valles, 

Huic Papbon, et roseam post habitura CypTOO 
Ast ego, dum pueri sinit indulgentia csec'i, 

Moenia quam subito linquere fausta paro ; 
Et vitare procul malefidfe infamia Circes 

Atria, divini Molyos usus ope. 
Stat quoque juncosas Cami remeare paludes, 

Atque iterum raucaB murmur adire schola3. 
Interea fidi parvum cape raunus amici, 

Paucaque in alternos verba coacta mode*- 



ELEGIA SECUNDA. 

Anno ^Etatis 17. 
In obitum Frceconis Academici Caiitabrigien»is 

Te, qui conspicuus baeulo fulgente solebas 
Palladium toties ore ciere gregem. 

Ultima pr^econuni prseconem te quoque Sieva 
Mors rapit, officio nee favet ipsa suo. 

Candidiora licet fuerint tibi tempora plumis 
Sub quibus accipimus delituisse Jovem ; 



516 ELEGIARUM LIBER PRIMUS. 

dignus tamen Hgemonio juvenescere succo, 

Dignus in ^sonios vivere posse dies, 
Dignus quern Stygiis medica revocaret ab undis 

Arte Coi'onides, ssepe rogante dea. 
Tu si jussus eras acies accii^e togatas, 

Et celer a Phoebo nuntius ire tuo, 
Talis in Iliaca stabat Cyllenius aula 

Alipes, aatherea missus ab arce Patris. 
Talis et Eurybates ante ora furentis Achillei 

Rettulit Atridae jussa severa ducis. 
Magna sepulchrorum regina, satelles Averni, 

Saeva nimis Musis, Palladi sa3va nimis, 
Quin illos rapias qui pond us inutile terrse, 

Turba quidem est telis ista petenda tuis. 
Vestibus bunc igitur pullis Academia luge, 

Et madea'nt lachrymis nigra feretra tuis. 
Fundat et ipsa modos querebunda Elegeia tristes, 

Personet et totis nsenia moesta scholis. 



ELEGIA TERTIA, 

Anno ^tatis 17. 
In obitwn Prcesalis Wintoniensis. 

McESTXJS eram, et tacitus nullo comitante sedebani, 

Tlajrebantque animo tristia plura meo, 
Protinus en subiit funestae cladis imago 

Fecit in Angliaco quam Libitina solo ; 
Dum procerum ingressa est splendentes marmore turres, 

Dira sepulchrali mors metuenda face ; 
Pulsavitque auro gravidos et jaspide muros, 

Nee metuit satrapum sternere falce groges. 
Tunc memini clarique ducis, fratisque verendi 

Intempestivis ossa creraata rogis : 
Et memini Heroum quos vidit ad sethera raptos, 

Flevit et amissos Belgia tota duces : 
At te praecipue luxi, dignissime Praesul, 

Wintoniaeque olim gloria magna tuae ; 



ELEGIAETJM LIBER PRIMUS. Ol? 

Delicui fletu, et tristi sic ore querebar, 

Mors fera, Tartareo .iiva secunda Jovi, 
Nonne satis quod sylva tuas persentiat iras, 

Et quod in herbosos jus tibi detur agros, 
Quodque afflata tuo marcescaiit lilia tabo, 

Et crocus, et pulchros Cypridi sacra rosa, 
Nee sinis ut semper fluvio contermina quercus 

Miretur lapsus praetereuntis aqure ? 
Et tibi succumbit liquido quae phirima coelo 

Evehitur pennis quamlibet augur avis, 
Et quae mille nigris errant animalia sylvis, 

Et quod alunt mutum Proteos antra pecus. 
Invida, tanta tibi cum sit concessa potestas ; 

Quid juvat humana tingere ca^de manus? 
Nobileque in pectus certas acuisse sagittas, 

Semideamque animam sede fugasse sua? 
Talia dum lacrymans alto sub pectore volvo, 

Roscidus occiduis Hesperus exit aquis, 
Et Tartessiaco submerserat aequore currum 

Phcebus, ab Eoo littore mensus iter. 
Nee mora, membra cavo posui refovenda cubili, 

Condiderant oculos noxque soporque meos: 
Cum mihi visus eram lato spatiarier agro, 

Heu nequit ingenium visa referre meum. 
Illic punicea radiabant omnia luce, 

Ut matutino cum juga sole rubent. 
Ac veluti cum pandit opes Thaumantia proles, 

Vestitu nituit multicolore solum. 
Non dea tam variis ornavit floribus hortos 

Alcinoi, Zephyro Chloris amata levi. 
Flumina vernantes lambunt argentea campos, 

Ditior Hesperior flavet arena Tago. 
Serpit odoriferas per opes levis aura Favoni, 

Aura sub innumeris humida nata rosis. 
Talis in extremis terrae Gangetidis oris 

Luciferi regis fingitur esse domus. 
Ipse racemiferis dum densas vitibus umbras. 

Et pellucentes miror ubique locos, 
Ecce mihi subito Praesul Wintonius astat, 

Sidereum nitido fulsit in ore jubar j 



518 ELEGIARUM LIBEE PRIMUS. 

Yestis ad auratos clelluxit Candida talos, 

Infula diviniim cinxerat alba caput. 
Dumque seiiex tali iiicedit venerandus amictu, 

Intremuit laeto florea terra sono. 
Agraina gemmatis plaiidunt ccelestia pennis, 

Pura triumphal! personat aethra tuba. 
Quisque novum amplexu comitem cantuque salutat, 

Hosque aliquis placido misit ab ore sonos ; 
Nate veni, et patrii felix cape gaudia regiii. 

Semper ab hinc duro, nate, labore vaca. 
Dixit, ex aligerae tetigerunt nablia turmae, 

At mihi cum tenebris aurea pulsa quies. 
Flebam turbatos Cephaleia pellice somnos, 

Talia contingant somnia saBpe mihi. 



ELEGIA QUARTA, 
Anno ^Etatis 18. 

Ad Thomam Junium prceceptorem suicm, apud mercatores Anglicot 
Hamburgce agentes, Pastoris munere fungentem. 

CuRRE per immensura subito mea littera pontum, 

I, pete Teutonicos Iseve per sequor agros ; 
Segnes rumpe moras, et nil, precor, obstet eunti, 

Et festinantis nil remoretur iter. 
Ipse ego Sicanio fraenantem carcere ventos 

^olon, et virides sollicitabo Deos, 
Cseruleamque suis comitatam Dorida Nymphis, 

Ut tibi dent placidam per sua regna viam. 
At tu, si poteris, celeres tibi same jugales, 

Yecta quibus Colchis fugit ab ore viri ; 
Aut quels Triptolemus Scythicas devenit in oras 

Gratus Eleusina missus ab urbe puer. 
Atque ubi Germanas flavere videbis arenas, 

Ditis ad Hamburgce moenia flecte gradura, 
Dicitur occiso quae ducere nomen ab Hama, 

Cimbrica quem fertur clava dedisse neci. 
Vivit ibi antiqua^. clarus pietatis honore 

Praesul, Christicolas pascere doctus oves ; 



ELEGIARITM LIBER PEIMtTS. 519 

Ille quidem est animae plusqiiam pars altera nostrne ; 

Dimidio vitse vivere cogor ego. 
Hei mihi ! quot pelagi, quot montes inter jecti, 

Me facmnt alia parte carere mei! 
Charior ille milii quam tu doctissime Graium 

Cliniadi, pronepos qui Telamonis erat ; 
Quamque Stagirites generoso magnus alumno, 

Quern peperit Lybico Chaouis alma Jovi. 
Qualis Amyntorides, qualis Philyreius heros 

Myrmidonum regi, talis et ille mihi. 
Primus ego Aonios illo praeeunte recessus 

Lustrabam, et bifidi sacra vireta jugi, 
Pieriosque hausi latices, Clioque favente, 

Castalio sparsi laeta ter ora mero. 
Flammeus at signum ter viderat arietis ^thon, 

Induxitque auro lanea terga novo, 
Bisque novo terram sparsisti, Chlori, senilem 

Gramine, bisque tuas abstulit Auster opes : 
Necdum ejus licuit mihi lumina pascere vultu, 

Aut linguae dulces aure bibisse sonos. 
Vade igitur, cursuque Eurum prseverte sonorum, 

Quam sit opus monitis res docet, ipsa vides. 
Invenies dulci cum conjuge forte sedentem, 

Mulcentem gremio pignora chara suo, 
Forsitan aut veterum praelarga volumina patrum 

Versantem, aut veri biblia sacra Dei, ' 
Coelestive animas saturantem rore tenellas, 

Grande salutiferse religionis opus. 
Utque solet, multam sit dicere cura salutem, 

Dicere quam decuit, si modo adesset, herum. 
Hffic quoque, paulum oculos in humura defixa modestos, 

Verba verecundo sis mem or ore loqui : 
Hsec tibi, si teneris vacat inter prcelia Musis, 

Mittit ab Angliaco littore fida manus. 
Accipe sinceram, quam vis sit sera, salutem ; 

Fiat et hoc ipso gratior ilia tibi. 
Sera quidem, sed vera fuit, quam casta recepit 

Icaris a lento Penelopeia viro. 
Ast ego quid volui manifestum tollere crimen, 

Ipse quod ex omni parte levare nequit ? 



520 ELEGIARUM LIBER PEIMUS. 

Arguitur tardus merito, noxamquefatetur, 

Et pudet officium deseruisse simra. 
Tu modo da veniam fasso, veniamque roganti, 

Crimina diminui, qiise patnere, solent. 
Non ferns in pavidos rictus diducit hiantes, 

Vulnifico pronos iiec rapit ungne leo. 
Saepe sarissiferi crudelia pectora Thracis 

Supplicis ad moestas delicuere preces. 
Extensseque manus avertunt fulminis ictus, 

Placat et iratos hostia parva Deos. 
Jam que diu scripsisse tibi fuit impetus illi, 

Neve moras ultra ducere passus Amor. 
Nam vaga Fama refert, heu nuntia vera malorum I 

In tibi finitimis bella tumere locis, 
Teque tuamque urbem truculento milite cingi, 

Et jam Saxonicos arma parasse duces. 
Te circum late campos populatur Enyo, 

Et sata carne vir{lm jam cruor arva rigat ; 
Germanisque suum concessit Thracia Martem, 

Illuc Odrysios Mars pater egit equos ; 
Perpetuoque comans jam deflorescit oliva, 

Fugit et serisonam Divi perosa tubam, 
Fugit lo terris, et jam non ultima virgo 

Creditur ad superas justa volasse domos. 
Te tamen interea belli circumsonat horror, 

Vivis et ignoto solus inopsque solo ; 
Et, tibi quam patrii non exhibuere penates, 

Sede peregrina quaeris egenus opem. 
Fatria dura parens, et saxis saevior albis 

Spumea quae pulsat littoris unda tui, 
Siccine te decet innocuos exponere foetus, 

Siccine in externam ferrea cogis humum, 
Et sinis ut terris qujerant alimenta remotis 

Quos tibi prospiciens miserat ipse Deus, 
Et qui laeta ferunt de coelo nuntia, quique. 

Quae via post cineres ducat ad astra, docent? 
Digna quidem Stygiis quae vivas clausa tenebris, 

u^ternaque animae digna perire fame ! 
Hand aliter vates terrae Thesbitidis Ox^m 
Pressit inassueto devia tesqua pede, 



ELEGIARUM LIBER PRIMUS. 521 

Desertasque Arabum salebras, diim regis Achabi 

Effugit atque tuas, Sidoni dira, manus. 
Talis et horrisono laceratus membra flagello, 

Pauliis ab ^raathia pellitur urbe Cilix. 
Piscosaeque ipsum Gergessa9 civis lesum 

Finibus ingratus jussit abire suis. 
At tu sume animos, iiec spes cadat anxia curis, 

Nee tua concutiat decolor ossa metus. 
Sis etenim quamvis fulgentibus obsitus armis, 

Intententque tibi millia tela necem, 
At niillis vel inerme latus violabitur armis, 

Deque tuo caspis nulla cruore bibet. 
Namque eris ipse Dei radiante sub segide tutus, 

Ille tibi custos, et pugil ille tibi ; 
lUe Sionaeae qui tot sub moenibus arcis 

Assyrios fudit nocte silente viros ; 
Inque fugam vertit quos in Samaritidas oras 

Misit ab antiquis prisca Damascus agris, 
Terruit et densas pavido cum rege cohortes, 

Aere dum vacuo buccina clara sonat, 
Cornea pulvereum dum verberat ungula campum, 

Currus arenosam dum quatit actus humum, 
Auditurque hinnitus equorum ad bella ruenttim, 

Et strepitus ferri, murmuraque aita viriim. 
Et tu (quod superest miseris) sperare memento, 

Et tua magnanimo j^ectore vince mala ; 
Nee dubites quandoque frui melioribus annis, 

Atque iterum patrios posse videre lares. 



ELEGIA QUINTA, 

Anno ^tatis 20. 

In adventum veris. 

In se perpetuo Tern pus revolubile gyro 

Jam revocat Zephyros vere tepente novos ; 

Induiturque brevem Tellus reparata juventam, 
Jamque soluta gelu dulce virescit humus. 

Fallor? an et nobis redeunt in carmina vires, 
Ingeniumque mihi munere veris adest? 



522 ELEGIARXJM LIBER PRIMUS. 

Munere veris adest, iterumque vigescit ab illo 

(Quis putet ?), atque aliquod jam sibi poscit opus 
Castalis ante ociilos, bifidiimque cacumen oberrat, 

Et mihi Pyrenen somnia nocte ferunt ; 
Ooiicitaque arcano fervent milii pectora motu, 

Et furor, et sonitus me sacer inttis agit. 
Delius ipse yen it, video Peneide lauro 

Implicitos crines, Delius ipse venit. 
Jam mihi mens liquidi raptatur in ardua coeli, 

Perque vagas nubes corpore liber eo ; 
Perque umbras, perque antra feror penetralia vatum, 

Et mihi fan a patent interiora Detim ; 
Intuiturque animus toto quid agatur Olj'topo, 

Nee fugiunt oculos Tartara cseca meos. 
Quid tam grande sonat distento spiritus ore ? 

Quid parit haec rabies, quid sacer iste furor? 
Yer mihi, quod dedit ingenium, cantabitur illo ; 

Profuerint isto reddita dona modo. 
Jam Philomela tuos foliis adoperta novellis 

Instituis modules, dum silet omne nemus : 
Urbe ego, tu sylva, simul incipiamus utrique, 

Et simul adventum veris uterque canat. 
Veris lo ! rediere vices, celebremus honores 

Veris, et hoc subeat Musa perennis opus. 
Jam sol -^thiopas fugiens Tithoniaque arva, 

Flec.tit ad Arctoas aurea lora plagas. 
Est breve noctis iter, brevis est mora noctis opacsB, 

Horrida cum tenebris exulat ilia suis. 
Jam que Lycaonius plaustrum coeleste Bootes 

Non longa sequitur fessus ut ante via ; 
Nunc etiam solitas circum Jovis atria toto "" 

Excubias agitant sidera rara polo. 
Nam dolus, et ccedes, et vis cum nocte recessit, 

Neve Giganteum Dii timuere scelus. 
Forte aliquis scopuli recubans in vertice pastor, 

Roscida cum primo sole rubescit humus, 
Hac, ait, hac certe caruisti nocte puella, 

Phoebe tua, celeres quoB retineret equos. 
Lasta suas repetit sylvas, pharetramque resumit 

Cynthia, Lucileras ut videt alta rotas, 



ELEGIARUM LIBER PEIMtJS. 523 

Et tennes ponens radios gaudere videtiir 

Officium fieri tarn breve fratris ope. 
Desere, Phcebus ait, thalamos Aurora seniles, 

Quid juvat effceto procubuisse toro ? 
Te manet JEolides viridi venator in herba, 

Surge, tuos ignes altus Hymettus habet. 
Flava verecundo dea crimen in ore fatetur, 

Et niatutinos ocius urget equos. 
Exuit invisam Tellus rediviva senectam, 

Et cupit am plexus, Phcebe, subire tuos ; 
Et cupit, et digna est. Quid enim formosius ilia. 

Pandit ut omniferos luxuriosa sinus, 
Atque Arabum spirat messes, et ab ore venusto, 

Mitia cum Paphiis fundit amoma rosis ! 
Ecce coronatur sacro frons ardua luco, 

Cingit ut Idaeam pinea turris 0])im ; 
Et vario madidos intexit flore capillos, 

Floribus et visa est posse placere suis. 
Floribus effusos ut erat redimita capillos 

Tenario placuit diva Sicana Deo. 
Aspice, Phoebe, tibi faciles hortantur amores, 

Mellitasque movent flamina verna preces. 
Cinnamea Zephyrus leve plaudit odorifer ala, 

Blanditiasque tibi ferre videntur aves. 
Nee sine dote tuos temeraria quaerit amores 

Terra, nee optatos poscit egena toros, 
Alma salutiferum medicos tibi gram en in usus 

Pra3bet, et bine titulos adjuvat ipsa tuos. 
Quod si te pretium, si te fulgentia tnngunt 

Munera (muneribus srepe coemptus Amor), 
Ilia tibi ostentat quascunque sub sequore vasto, 

Et superinjectis montibus abdit o])es. 
Ah quoties, cum tu clivoso fessus Olympo 

In vespertinas praecipitaris aquas, 
Cur te, in quit, cursu languentem, Phcebe, diurno 

PTesperiis recipit Casrula mater aquis ? 
Quid tibi cum Tethy? Quid cum Tartesside lympbS, 

Dia quid immundo perluis ora salo ? 
Frigora, Phoebe, mea melius captabis in umbra. 

Hue ades, ardentes imbue rore comas. 



624 ELEGIAEUM LIBER PRIMUS. 

Mollior egelida veniet tibi somnus in herba, 

Hue ades, et gremio lumina pone meo. 
Quaque jaces, circum mulcebit lene susurrans 

Aura, per humentes corpora fusa rosas. 
Nee me (erede mihi) terrent Semeleia fata, 

Nee Phaetonteo fumidus axis equo ; 
Cum tu, Phoebe, tuo sapientius uteris igni, 

Hue ades, et gremio lumina pone meo. 
Sie Tellus lasciva suos suspirat amores ; 

Matris in exemplum eietera turba ruunt. 
Nunc etenim toto eurrit vagus orbe Cupido, 

Languentesque fovet solis ab igne faces. 
Insonuere novis lethalia eornua nervis, 

Triste micant ferro tela corusea novo. 
Jamque vel invictam tentat superasse Dianam, 

Quasque sedet sacro Vesta pudica foeo. 
Ipsa seneseentem reparat Venus annua formam, 

Atque iterum tepido ereditur orta mari. 
Marmoreas juvenes clamant Hymenaee perurbes, 

Littus lo Hymen, et cava saxa sonant. 
Cultior ille venit, tunicaque decentior apta, 

Puniceum redolet vestis odora croeum. 
Egrediturque frequens ad amoeni gaudia veris 

Virgineos auro eincta puella sinus. [urnim, 

Votum est cuique suum, votum est tarn en omnibus 

Ut sibi quem cupiat, det Cytherea virum. 
Nunc quoque septena modulatur arundine pastor, 

Et sua quae jungat earmina Phyllis habet. 
Navita noeturno plaeat sua sidera cantu, 

Delphinasque leves ad vada sumraa vocat. 
Jupiter ipse alto cum eonjuge ludit Olyrapo, 

Convocat et famulos ad sua festa Deos. 
Nunc etiam Satyri, cum sera crepuscula surgunt, 

Pervolitant celeri florea rura choro, 
Sylvanusque sua cyparissi fronde revinctus, 

Semicaperque Deus, semideusque caper. 
Quseque sub arboribus Dryades latuere vetustis 

Per juga, per solos expatiantur agros. 
Per sata luxuriat fruticetaque Masnalius Pan, 

Vix Cybele mater, vix sibi tuta Ceres ; 



ELEGIARUM LIBER PRIMUS. 525 

Atqne aliquam cnpfdus prfedatur Oreada Fannus, 

Consulit in trepidos dum sibi nympha pedes, 
Jarnqne latet, latitansque cupit male tecta videri, 

Et fvigit, et fugiens pervelit ipsa capi. 
Dii qnoque non dubitant coelo praBponere S3dva8, 

Et sua quisqiie sibi numina lucus habet. 
Et sna qiiisque din sibi numina lucus habeto, 

Nee vos arborea, dii, pvecor, ite domo. 
Te referant miseris te, Jupiter, aurea terris 

Sfecla, quid ad nimbos aspera tela redis ? 
Tu saltern lente rapidos age Phoebe jugales 

Qua potes, et sensim tempora veris eant ; 
Brumaque productas tarde ferat hispida noctey, 

Ingruat et nostro serior umbra polo. 



ELEGIA SEXTA. 

Ad Carolum Deodatum ruri commorantem, 

Qui cum Idibus Decemb. scripsisset, et sua carmina excusari postmasset 
si soUto minus essent bona, quod inter lautitias, q^dbvs erat ah amicis 
exccptus, Jimid satis felicem operam Musis dare se posse aJfJrmabat, hoc 
habuit responsum. 

MiTTO tibi sanam non pleno ventre salutem. 

Qua tu distento forte carere potes. 
At tua quid nostram j^rolectat musa camoenam, 

Nee sinit optatas posse sequi tenebras ? 
Carmine scire velis quam te redamemque colamque, 

Crede niihi vix hoc carmine scire queas. 
Nam neque noster amor modulis includitur arctis. 

Nee venit ad claudos integer ipse j^edes. 
Quam bene solennes epulas, hilaremque Decembrem, 

Festaque coelifugam quae coluere Deum, 
Deli(;iasque refers, hyberni gaudia ruris, 

Haustaque per lepidos Gallica musta focos ! 
Quid quereris refugam vino dapibusque poesin ? 

Carmen am at Bacchum, carmina Bacchus am at. 
Nee puduit Phoebum virides gestasse corymbos, 

Atque hederam lauro prfeposuisse suae. 
Saepius Aoniis clamavit collibus Euoe 

Mista Thyoneo turba novena chore. 



^'IQ EL-EGIAT?UM LTf^ER PRIMUS. 

Naso Corallaeis mala carmina misit ab agris : 

Non illic epulae, non sata vitis erant. 
Quid nisi vina, rosasqne racemiferumque Lyjeum, 

Cantavit brevibus Teia Musa modis? 
Pindaricosqiie inflat niimeros Teumesius Kuan, 

Et redolet sumptum pagina quseque mcrum ; 
Dum gravis everso currus crepat axe supinus, 

Et volat Eleo pulvere fuscus eques. 
Quadriinoque madens Lyricen Romanus laccho 

Dulce canit Glyceran, flavicomamqne Cliloen. 
Jam quoquG lauta tibi generoso mensa paratu 

Mentis a] it vires, ingeniumque fovet. 
Massica foecundam despumant pocula venam, 

Fundis et ex ipso condita metra cado. 
Addimus his artes, fusumque per intima Phoeburn 

Corda, favent uni Bacclius, Apollo, Ceres. 
Scilicet baud mirum tarn dulcia carmina per te 

Numine composite tres peperisse Deos. 
Nunc quoque Tliressa tibi caelato barbitos auro 

In son at arguta moUiter icta manu ; 
Anditurque chelys suspensa tapetia circum, 

Virgineos tremula qua3 regat arte pedes. 
Ilia tuas saltern teneant spectacula musas, 

Et revocent, quantum crapula pellit iners, 
Crede milii dum psallit ebur, comitataque ))lectruin 

Iniplet odoratos festa chorea tholos ; 
Perci]»ies tacitum per pectoi'a ser])ere Phoel)um, 

Quale repentinus perrneat ossa calor, 
Perque puellares oculos digitumque sonantera 

Irruet in totos lapsa Thalia sinus. 
Nam que elegia levis multorum cura Deorum est, 

Et vocat ad numeros quemlibet ill:! suos ; 
Liber adest elegis, Eratoque, Ceresque, Venusque, 

Et cum purpurea matre tenellus Amor. 
Talibus inde licent convivia larga poetis, 

Sropius et veteri commaduisse mero. 
At qui bella refert, et adulto sub Jove ccelum, 

Ileroasque pios, semideosque duces, 
Et nunc sancta canit superum consulta deorum, 

Nunc latrata fero regna pi'ofunda cane, 



ELEGIARUM LIBEK PlllMUS. 521 

nie qnidem parce, Samii pro more niagistri, 

Yivat, et innocuos praebeat herba cibos ; 
Stet prope fagiiieo pellucicla lympha catillo, 

Sobriaque e puro pociila fonte bibat. 
Additur liuic scelerisque vacans, et casta juventus, 

Et rigidi mores, et sine labe manus. 
Qualis veste iiiteiis sacra, et lustralibus undis 

Surgis ad infensos augur iture Deos. 
Hoc rituvixisse ferunt post rapta sagacciu 

Lumina Tiresian, Ogygiuraque Linou, 
Et lare devoto profugum Calchantji, senemque 

Orpheon edomitis sola per antra feris ; 
Sic dapis exiguus, sic rivi potor Honierus 

Dulichium vexit per freta longa virum, 
E/t per monstrificam Perseiae Phcebados aulam, 

Et vada fcemineis insidiosa sonis, 
Perque tuas, rex ime, domos, ubi sanguine nigro 

Dicitur umbrarum detinuisse greges. 
Diis etenim sacer est vates, divunique sacerdos, 

Spirat et occultum pectus, et ora Jovem. 
At tu, siquid agam, scitabere (si modo saltern 

Esse putas tanti noscere siquid agam). 
Paciferum canimus ccelesti semine regem, 

Faustaque sacratis saecula pacta libris, 
Vagitumque Dei, et stabulantem paupere tecto 

Qui suprema suo cum patre regna colit, 
Stelliparumque polum, modulantesque sethere turmasi, 

Et subito elisos ad sua fan a Deos. 
Dona quidem dedimus Christi natalibus ilia, 

Ilia sub auroram lux mihi prima tulit. 
Te quoque pressa manent patriis meditata cicutis, 

Tu mihi, cui recitem, judicis instar eris. 



ELEGIA SEPTIMA. 

Anno ^tatis 19. 

NoNDUM blanda tuas leges, Amathusia, norara, 
Et Paphio vacuum pectus ab igne f uit. 



52cS ELEGIARUM LIBER PRIMUS. 

Ssepe cupidineas, puerilia tela, sagittas, 

Atque tuum sprevi maxime numen Amor, 
Tu puer imbelles, dixi, transfige columbas, 

Conveniunt tenero mollia bella duci. 
Aut de passeribus tumidos age, parve, triumphos, 

Haec sunt militiae digna troph^ea tuae. 
Tu genus humanum quid inania dirigis arma? 

Non valet in fortes ista pharetra viros. 
Non tulit hoc Cyprius (neque enim Deus ullus ad iraa 

Promptior), et duplici jam ferus igne calet. 
Ver erat, et summae radians per culmina villse 

Attulerat primam lux tibi, Male, diem : 
At mihi adliuc refugam quaerebant lumina noctem, 

Nee niatutinum sustinuere jubar. 
Astat Amor lecto, pictis Amor impiger alls, 

Prodidit astantem mota pharetra Deum ; 
Prodidit et facies, et dulce minantis ocelli, 

Et quicquid puero dignum et Amore fuit. 
Talis in ^terno juvenis Sigeius Olympo 

Miscet amatori pocula plena Jovi ; 
Aut qui formosas pellexit ad oscula nymphas 

Tliiodamantieus Naiade raptus Hylas. 
Addideratque iras, sed et has decuisse ]iutare8, 

Addideratque truces, nee sine telle minas. 
Et miser exemplo sapuisses tutitis, inquit, 

Nunc mea quid possit dextera testis eris. 
Inter et expertos vires numerabere nostras, 

Et faciam vero per tua damna fidem. 
Ipse ego, si nescis, strato Pythone superbum 

Edomui Phoebum, cessit et ille mihi ; 
Et quoties meminit Peneidos, ipse fatetur 

Certitis et gravitis tela nocere mea. 
Me nequit adductum curvare perititis arcum, 

Qui post terga solet vincere Parthus eques : 
Oydoniusque mihi cedit venator, et ille 

Inscius uxori qui necis author erat. 
Est etiam nobis ingens quoque victus Orion, 

Herculeaeque manus, Herculeusque comes. 
Jupiter ipse licet sua fulmina torqueat in me. 

Haerebunt lateri spicula nostra Jovis, 



ELEGIARUM LIBER PRIMUS. 529 

Caetera quae dubitas melitis mea tela docebunt, 

Et tua noil leviter corda petenda mihi. 
Nee te, stulte, tuse poterunt defendere musae, 

Nee tibi Phoebseus porriget aiiguis opem. 
IJ>ixit, et aurato quatiens miicrone sagittam, 

Evolat in tepid os Cypridos i)le sinus. 
At mihi risuro tonuit ferns ore minaci, 

Et mihi de puero non metus ullus erat. 
Et mod6 qua nostri spatiantur in urbe Quirites, 

Et modo villarum proxima rura placent. 
Turba frequens, facieque simillima turba dearum 

Splendida per medias itque reditque vias. 
Auctaque luce dies gemino fulgore coruscat, 

Fallor? An et radios bine quoque Phoebus habet? 
H^e ego non fugi spectacula grata severus, 

Impetus et quo me fert juvenilis, agor, 
Lumina luminibus male providus obvia misi, 

Neve oculos potui continuisse meos. 
Unam forte aliis supereminuisse notabam, 

Principium nostri lux erat ilia mali. 
Sic Venus optaret mortalibus ipsa videri 

Sic regina Deum conspicienda fuit. 
Hanc memor objecit nobis mains ille Cupido, 

Solus et hos nobis texuit ante dolos. 
Nee procul ipse vafer latuit, multaeque sagittse, 

Et facis a tergo grande pependit onus. 
Nee mora, nunc ciliis ha3sit, nunc virginis ori. 

Insilit hinc labiis, insidet inde genis : 
Et quascunque agilis partes jaculator oberrat, 

Hei mihi,. mille locis pectus inerme ferit. 
Protinus insoliti subierunt corda furores, 

Uror amans inti\s, flammaque totus eram. 
Interea misero quce jam mihi sola placebat, 

Ablata est oculis non reditura meis. 
Ast ego progredior tacite querebundus, et excors, 

Et dubius volui saepe referre pedem 
Findor, et ha3C remanet, sequitur pars altera votum, 

Raptaque tarn subito gaudia flere juvat. 
Sic dolet amissum proles Junonia coelum, 

Inter Lemniacos prajcipitata focos 
34 



530 ELEGIARCJM LIBEE PPJMUS. 

Talis et abreptum solera respexit, ad Orcuni 

Vectiis ab attonitis Amphiaraiis equis. 
Quid faciam infelix, et luctu victus ? Amores 

Nee licet inceptos ponere, neve sequi. 
O utinam, spectare semel mihi detur amatos 

Vultus, et coram tristia verba loqui ! 
Forsitan et duro non est adaraante creata, 

Forte nee ad nostras surdeat ilia preces. 
Crede mihi, nullus sic infeliciter arsit, 

Ponar in exemplo primus et unus ego. 
Parce, precor, teneri cum sis Deus ales amoris, 

Pugnent officio nee tua facta tuo. 
Jam tuus O certe est mihi formidabilis arcus, 

Nate dea, jaculis nee minus i«rne potens : 
Et tua fumabunt nostris altaria donis, 

Solus et in superis tu mihi summus eris. 
Deme meos tandem, vertim nee deme, furores, 

Nescio cur, miser est suaviter omnis amans : 
Tu modo da facilis, posthaec mea siqua f utura est, 

Cuspis amaturos figat ut una duos. 



H^c ego mente olim Iseva, studio que supine, 

NequitiaB posui vana troph^ea mese. 
Scilicet abreptum sic me mains impulit error, 

Indocilisque aetas prava magistra fuit. 
Donee Socraticos umbrosa Academia rivos 

Praebuit, admissum dedocuitque jugum. 
Protinus extinctis ex illo tempore flammis, 

Cincta rigent multo pectora nostra gelu. 
fTnde suis frigus metuit puer ipse sagittis, 

Et Diomedeam vim timet ipsa Venus. 



(Bjiigraininatnm Xikx. 



IN PRODITIONEM BOMBARDICAM. 

Cum siiiiul in regein niiper satrapasque Britaiinos 

Ausiis es infandum, perfide Fauxe, iiefas, 
Fallor ? An et mitis volnisti ex parte videri, 

Et pensare mala cum pietate scelus ? 
Scilicet hos alti missurus ad atria coeli, 

Sulphureo currn flnmniivolisque rotis. 
Qualiter ille feris ca|)ut inviolabile Parcis 

Liqnit lordanios turbine raptus agros. 



IN EANDEM. 

SiccTXE tentasti coelo donasse lacobum 

Quae septenigcmirjo BelUia nionte lates? 
Ni raeliora tuum poterit dare munera nunien, 

Parce precor donis insidiosa tuis. 
lUe quidem sine te consortia serus adivit 

Astra, nee inferni pulveris usus ope. 
Sic potitis foedos in coehun pelle cucullos, 

Et quot liabet brutos Roma profana Deos, 
Namqne hac aut alia nisi quemque adjuveris art«, 

Crede milii, coeli vix bene scandet iter. 



IN EANDEM. 

PuRGATOREM animal derisit lacobiis ignem, 
Et sine qno snpcrum non adennda domus. 

Frenduit hoc trina monstrum Latiale corona, 
Movit et horrificum cornua dena minax. 

(531) 



532 EPIGRAMMATUM LIBEE. 

Et nec innltiis, ait, temnes mea sacra Britanne 

Supplicium spreta religione dabis. 
Et si stelligeras nnquam penetraveris arces, 

Non nisi per flammas triste patebit iter. 
O quani funesto cecinisti proxima vero, 

Verbaque pouderibus vix caritura suis ! 
Nam prope Tartarco sublime rotatns ab igni 

Ibat ad asthereas umbra perusta plagas. 



IN EANDEM. 



QuEM modo Roma suis devoverat impia diris, 
Et Styge damnarat Tasnarioque sinu, 

Hunc vice mutata jam tollere gestit ad astra, 
Et cupit ad superos evehere usque Deos. 



IN INVENT OREM B0MBARDJ3. 

Iapetionidem laudavit caeca vetustas, 
Qui tulit getheream solis ab axe facem ; 

At mihi major erit, qui lurida creditur ariua, 
Et trifidum fulmen surripuisse Jovi. 



AD LEONORAM ROM^E CANENTEM. 

Angelus unicuique suus (sic credite gentes) 

Obtigit sethereis ales ab ordinibus. 
Quid mirum, Leonora, tibi si gloria major ? 

Nam tua prsesentem vox sonat ipsa Deum. 
Aut Deus, aut vacui certe mens tertia cceli, 

Per tua secreto guttura serpit agens; 
Serpit agens, facilisque docet mortalia corda 

Sensim immortali*assuescere posse sono. 
Quod si cuncta quidem Deus est, per cunctaque fusus, 

In te una loquitur, ca3tera mutus habet. 



EPIGEAMMATUM LlBEE. 533 

AD EANDEM. 

Altera Torquatum cepit Leonora poetam, 

Cujus ab insano cessil aniore furens. 
Ah miser ille tuo quanto felicitis sevo 

Perditus, et propter te, Leonora, foret ! 
Et te Pieria sensisset voce canentem 

Aurea materna3 fila movere lyrse : 
Quamvis Dircaeo torsisset lumina Pentheo 

Saevior, aut totus desipuisset iiiers, 
Tu tamen errantes caeca vertigine sensus 

Voce eadem poteras coniposuisse tua; 
Et poteras, aegro spirans sub corde, quietem 

Flexanimo cantu restituisse sibi. 



AD EANDEM. 

Credula quid liquidam Sirena Neapoli jactas, 

Claraque Partlienopes fana Acheloiados, 
Littorearaque tua defunctani Naiada ripa. 

Corpora Chalcidico sacra dedisse rogo ? 
Ilia quidem vivitque, et amoena Tibridis unda 

Mutavit rauci murmura Pausilipi. 
Ulic Romulidum studiis ornata secundis, 

Atque homines cantu detinet atque Deos. 



APOLOGUS DE RUSTICO ET HERO. 

RusTicus ex malo sapidissima poma quotannis 

Legit, et urbano lecta dedit Domino : 
Hinc incredibili fructds dulcedine captus, 

Malum ipsam in proprias transtulit areolas. 
Hactenus ilia ferax, sed longo debilis sevo, 

Mota solo assueto, protintis aret iners. 
Quod tandem ut patuit Domino, spe lusus inani, 

Damnavit celeres in sua damna manus. 
Atque ait, " Heu quanto satius fuit ilia Coloni 

(Parva licet) grato dona tulisse animo ! 
Possera ego avaritiam frrenare, gulamque voracem; 

Nunc periere mihi et foetus, et ipse parens." 



ajlnarmu %M. 



IN OBITUM PROCANCELLARII MEDICL 
Anno .S^tatis, 16. 

Parere fati discite legibiis, 

Manusqiie Parcae jam date supplices, 
Qui pendulum telluris orbem 

lapeti colitis nepotes. 
Vos si relicto mors vaga Tsenaro 
Semel vocarit flebilis, heu morse 
Tentantur incasstira dolique ; 

Per tenebras Stygis ire certura est. 
Si destinatam pellere dextera 
Mortem valeret, non ferus Hercules, 
Nessi veneiiatus cruore 
^mathia jacuisset Oeta, 
Nee fraud e turpi Palladis invidae 
Vidisset occisum Ilion Hectora, aut 
Quem larva Pelidis peremit 
Ense Locro, Jove lacrymante. 
Si triste fatum verba Hecateia 
Fugare possint, Telegoiii parens 
Vixisset infamis, potentique 
^giali soror usa virga. 
Numenque trinura fallere si queant 
Artes medentiim, ignotaque gramina, 
Non gnarus herbarum Machaon 
Eurypyli cecidisset hasta. 

(534) 



SYLVAKTJM LIEEK. 535 



Lsesisset et nee te, Philyreie, 
Sagitta Echidnae perlita sanguine, 
Nee tela te fulmenque avitum 
Csese puer genitricis alvo. 
Tuque O alumno major Apolline, 
Gentis togatse eui regimen datum, 
Frondosa quern nune Cirrha luget, 
Et mediis Helicon in undis. 
Jam prsefuisses Palladio gregi 
Lsetus, superstes, nee sine gloria. 
Nee puppe lustrasses Charontis 
Horribiles barathri reeessus. 
At fila rupit Persephone tua, 
Irata, eum te viderit, artibus, 
Sueeoque pollenti, tot atris 
Faucibus erij^uisse mortis. 
Colende Praeses, membra preeor tua 
Molli quieseant eespite, et ex tuo 
Creseant rosas calthaeque busto, 
Purpureoque hyaeinthus ore. 
Sit mite de te judicium ^aei, 
Subrideatque ^tnaea Proserpina, 
Interque felices perennis 
Elysio spatiere eampo. 



IN QUINTUM NOVEMBRIS. 

Anno ^tatis 17. 

Jam pius extrema veniens laeobus ab areto 
Teucrigenas populos, lateque patentia regna 
Albionum tenuit, jamque inviolabile fcedus 
Seeptra Caledoniis eonjunxerat Anglica Seotis: 
Pacifieusque novo, felix divesque, sedebat 
In solio, oecultique doli seeurus et hostis : 
Cum ferus ignifluo regnans Acheronte tyrannus, 
Eumenidum pater, asthereo vagus exul Olynipo, 
Forte per immensum terrarum erraverat orbem, 
Dinumerans sceleris socios, vernasque fideles, 



586 SYLVARUM LTBEll. 

Participes regni post fun era incesta fiituros ; 
Hie tcmpestates medio ciet aere diras, 
I]]ic unanimes odium strait inter amicos, 
Ai-mat et invietas in mutua viscera gentes ; 
Regnaque olivifera vertit florentia pace : 
Et quoscunque videt purae virtutis amantes, 
Hos cupit adjicere imperio, fraiidumque magistei 
Tentat inaccessum sceleri corrumpere pectus, 
Insidiasque locat tacitas, cassesqne latentes 
Tendit, ut incantos rapiat, sen Caspia tigris 
Insequitur trepidam deserta per avia pra^dam 
• Nocte sub illuni, et somno nictantibus astris. 
Talibiis infestat populos Siirnmanus et urbes, 
Cinctus cerulese fmiianti turbine flaniniae, 
Jamque fluentisonis albentia rupibus arva 
Apparent, et terra deo dilecta niarino, 
Cui nomen dederat quondam Neptunia proles, 
Am])hitrYoniaden qui non dubitavit atrocem, 
^quore tranato, furiali poscere bello. 
Ante expugnatoe crudelia saecula Trojae. 

At sinuil banc opibusque et festa pace beatara 
Asj.icit, et pingues donis Cerealibus agros, 
Quodque magis doluit, venerantem numina veri 
Sancta Dei populura, tandem suspiria rupit 
Tartareos ignes et luridum olentia sulphur ; 
Qualia Trinacria trux ab Jove clausus in JEtna 
Efflat tabifico monstrosus ob ore TypbcEus. 
Ignescunt oculi, stridetque adamantinus ordo 
Dentis, ut armorum fragor, ictaque cuspid e cuspis. 
Atque " Pererrato solum hoc lacrymabile mundo 
Inveni," dixit, " gens hiec mihi sola rebellis, 
Contemtrixque jugi, nostraque potentior arte. 
Ilia tamen, mea si quicquam tentamina possunt, 
Non feret hoc impune diu, non ibit inulta." 
Hactenus ; et piceis liquido natat aere pennis ; 
Qua volat, adversi prtecursant agmine venti, 
Densantur nubes, et crebra tonitrua fulgent. 

Jamque pruinosas velox superaverat Aljjes, 
Et tenet Ausonite fines : a parte sinistra 
Nimbifer Api^enninus erat, priscique Sabini, 



STLVAKUM LIBER. 537 

Dextra veneiiciis infamis Hetruria, nee non 
Te furtiva, Tibris, Thetidi videt oscula dantem ; 
Hinc Mavortigenae eonsistit in aree Quirini. 
Reddiderant dubiam jam sera crepuscula luceni. 
Cum circumgreditur totam Tricoronifer urbem, 
Panificosque deos portat, scapulisque virorum 
Evehitur, prteemit submisso poplite reges, 
Et mendicantnm series longissima fratrum ; 
Cereaque in manibus gestant funalia caaci, 
Cimmeriis nati in tenebris, vitamque trahentes. 
Templa dein mnltis subeunt lucentia tfedis 
(Vesper erat sacer iste Petro) f remit usque canentum 
Ssepe tholos implet vacuos, et inane locorum. 
Qualiter exululat Bromius, Bromiique caterva, 
Orgia cantantes in Echionio Aracyntho, 
Dum tremit attonitus vitreis Asopus in undis, 
Et procul ipse cava responsat rupe Citha3ron. 

His igitur tandem solenni more peractis, 
Nox senis amplexus Erebi taciturna reliquit, 
Praecipitesque impellit equos stimulante flagello, 
Captum oculis Typhlonta, Melanchagtemque ferocem, 
Atque Acherontieo prognatam patre Sit»}ien 
Torpidam, et hirsutis horrentem Phrica capillis. 

Interea regum domitor, Phlegetontius ha^res 
Ingreditur thalamos (neque enim secretus adulter 
Producit steriles molli sine pellice noctes), 
At vix composites somnus claudebat ocellos, 
Cum niger umbrarum dominus, rectorque silentum, 
Pra^datorque hominum, falsa sub imagine tectus 
Astitit, assumptis micuerunt tempora canis, 
Barba sinus promissa tegit, cineracea longo 
Syrmate verrit humum vestis, pendetque cucuUus 
Vertice de raso, et ne quicquam desit ad artes, 
Cannabeo lumbos constrinxit fune salaces, 
Tarda fenestratis figens vestigia calceis. 
Talis, uti fama est, vasta Franciscus eremo 
Tetra vagabatur solus per lustra ferarum, 
Sylvestrique tulit genti pia verba salutis 
Impius, atque lupos domuit, Libycosque leones. 

Subdolus at tali Serpens velatus amictu 



538 STL VARUM LIBER. 

Solvit in has f allax ora execrantia voces ; 
Dormis, nate ? Etiamne tuos sopor opprimit artus ? 
Iramemor O fidei, pecorumque oblite tuorum ! 
Dum cathedram venerande tuam, diademaque triplex 
Ridet Hyperboreo gens barbara nata sub axe, 
Dumque pharetrati spernuiit tua jura Britanni : 
Surge, age, surge piger, Latius quern Caesar adorat, 
Cui reserata patet convexi janua coeli, 
Turgentes animos, et fastus frange procaces, 
Sacrilegique sciant, tua quid maledictio possit, 
Et quid Apostolicse possit custodia clavis ; 
Et memor Hesperiae disjectam ulciscere classem, 
Mersaque Iberorum lato vexilla prof undo, 
Sanctorumque cruci tot corpora fixa probrosae, 
Thermodoontea nuper regnante puella. 
At tu si tenero mavis torpescere lecto, 
Crescentesque negas hosti contundere vires, 
Tyrrhenum implebit numeroso milite pontum, 
Signaque Aventino ponet fulgentia colle : 
Reliquias veterum franget, flaminisque cremabit, 
Sacraque calcabit pedibus tua colla profanis, 
Cujug gaudebant soleis dare basia reges. 
Nee tamen hunc bellis et aperto Marte lacesses, 
Irritus ille labor : tu callidus utere fraude : 
Quaelibet hsereticis disponere retia fas est. 
Jamque ad consilium extremis rex magnus ab oris 
Patricios vocat, et procerum de stirpe creatos, 
Grandaevosque patres trabea canisque verendos ; 
Hos tu membratim poteris conspergere in auras, 
Atque dare in cineres, nitrati j^ulveris igne 
^dibus injecto, qua convenere, sub imis. 
Protinus ipse igitur quoscunque habet Anglia fidos 
Propositi, factique mone : quisquamne tuoi'ura 
Audebit summi non jussa facessere Papse ? 
Perculsosque metu subito, caslique stupentes 
Invadat vel Gallus atrox, vel ssevus Iberus. 
Saecula sic illic tandem Mariana redibunt, 
Tuque in belligeros iterum dominaberis Anglos. 
Et nequid timeas, divos divasque seeundas 
Accipe, quotque tuis celebrantur numina fastis. 



SYLVARUM LIBKR, 539 

Dixit, et adscitos ponens malefidus amictus 
Fugit ad infandam, regnuin illaetabile. Let hen. 

Jam rosea Eoas, pandens Tithonia portas, 
Vestit inauratas redeiinti lumine terras ; 
Moestaque adhuc nigri deplorans funera nati 
Irrigat ambrosiis montana cacumina guttis ; 
Ciun somnos pepulit stellatae janitor aulse, 
Nocturnos visns, et somnia grata revolvens. 

Est locus leterna septus caligine noctis, 
Vasta ruinosi quondam fundamina tecti, 
N'unc torvi spelunca Plioni, Prodotteque bilinguis, 
Effera quos uno peperit Discordia partu. 
Hie inter csementa jacent prseruptaque saxa, 
Ossa inhumata virilm, et trajecta cadavera ferro; 
Hie Dolus intortis semper sedet ater ocellis, 
Jurgiaque, et stimulis armata Calumnia fauces, 
Et Furor, atque viae moriendi mille videntur, 
Et Timor, exsanguisque locum circumvolat Horror, 
Perpetuoque leves per muta silentia Manes 
Exululant, tellus et sanguine- conscia stagnat. 
Ipsi etiam pavidi latitant penetralibus antri 
Et Phonos, et Prodotes, nuUoque sequente per antrum, 
Antrum horrens, scopulosum, atrum feralibus umbris 
Diffugiunt sontes, et retro lumina vortunt ; 
Hos pugiles Romae per ssecula longa fideles 
Evocat antistes Babylonius, atque ita fatur : 

" Finibus occiduis circumfusum incolit aequor 
Gens exosa mihi, prudens natura negavit 
Indignam penitus nostro conjungere mundo : 
Illuc, sic jubeo, celeri contendite gressu, 
Tartareoque leves difflentur pulvere in auras 
Et rex et pariter satrapae, scelerata propago : 
Et quotqnot fidei caluere cupidine verae, 
Consilii socios adhibete, operisque ministros." 
Finierat, rigidi cupide paruere gemelli. 

Interea longo iiectens curvamine coelos 
Despicit aetherea dominus qui fulgurat arce, 
Vanaque perversae ridet conamina turbae, 
Atque sui causam populi volet ipse tueri. 

Esse ferunt spatium, qua distat ab Aside terra 



640 SYLVARUM LIBEB. 

Fertilis Europe, et spectat Mareotidas undas , 
Hie turris posita est Titanidos ardua Famae, 
^rea, lata, sonaiis, rutilis viciiiior astris 
Quam superimpositum vel Atbos vel Pelion Ossaa. 
Mille fores aditusque patent, totidemque fenestras, 
Amplaqiie per tenues translucent atria muros : 
Excitat hie varios plebs aggioraerata susurros ; 
Qualiter instrepitant circum mulctralia bombis 
•Agmina muscarum, aut texto per ovilia junco, 
Dum Canis aestivum cosli petit ardua culmen. 
Ipsa quidem surama sedet ultrix matris in area, 
Auribus innumeris cinctum caput eminet olli. 
Quels sonitum exiguum trahit, atque levissima capiat 
Murmura, ab extremis patuli confinibus orbis. 
Nee tot, Aristoride servator inique juvencae 
Isidos, immiti volvebas luniina vultu, 
Lumina non unquani tacito nutantia somno, 
Lumina subjectas late spectantia terras. 
Istis ilia solet loca luce carentia s.^pe 
Perlustrare, etiam radianti impervia soli : 
Millenisque loquax auditaque visaque Unguis 
Cuilibet effundit temeraria, veraque mendax 
Nunc minuit, modo confictis sermonibus auget. 
Sed tamen a nostro meruisti carmine laudes 
Fama, bonum quo non aliud veracius ulium, 
Nobis digna cani, nee te memorasse pigebit 
Carmine tam longo, servati scilicet Angii 
Officiis vaga diva tuis, tibi reddimus sequa. 
Te Deus, aeternos motu qui temperat ignes, 
Fulmine praemisso alloquitur, terraque tremente: 
" Fama, siles ? An te latet impia Papistarum 
Conjurata cohors in meque meosque Britannos, 
Et nova sceptrigero csedes meditata lacobo ? 
Nee plura, ilia statim sensit mandata Tonantis, 
Et satis ante fugax stridentes induit alas, 
Induit et variis exilia corpora plumis; 
Dextra tubara gestat Temesaeo ex aere sonoram. 
Nee mora, jam pennis cedentes remigat auras, 
Atque parum est cursu celeres praevertere nubes, 
Jam ventos, jam solis equos jDOSt terga reliquit . 



SYLVARTJM LIBER. 541 

Et primo Angliacas, solito de more, per iirbes 
Ambiguas voces, incertaqiie iniirmura spargit, 
Mox arguta dolos, et detestabile vulgat 
Proditionis opus, iiec non facta horrida dictu, 
Autlioresque addit sceleris, nee garrula ciecis 
Iiisidiis loca structa silet ; stupiiere relatis, 
Et pariter juvenes, pariter treiiiuere puellse, 
Effoetique series pariter, tantieque ruinas 
Seiisns ad aetatem siibito penetraverat omnem. 

Attanien interea populi miserescit ab alto 
^tliereiis Pater, et crudelibus obstitit ausis 
Papicolum ; capti poenas raptantur ad acres ; 
At pia tliura Deo, et grati solvuntur honores ; 
Compita l^eta focis genialibus omnia fumant ; 
Turba cboros juvenilis agit : Quin toque Novembrk 
Nulla dies toto occurrit celebratior anno. 



IN OBITUM PR^SULIS ELIENSIS. 

Anno iExATis 17. 

Adhuc madentes rore squalebant genas, 

Et sicca nondum lumina 
Adhuc liquentis irabre turgebant sails, 

Quem nuper eft'udi plus, 
Dum mcesta cbaro justa persolvi rogo 

Wintoniensis Prajsulis. 
Cum centilinguis Fama (proh I semper mail 

Cladisque vera nuntia) 
Spargit per urbes divitis Britannise, 

Populosque Neptuno satos, 
Cessisse morti, et ferreis sororibus 

Te, generis humani decus, 
Qui rex sacrorum ilia f uisti in insula 

Quae nomen Anguillae tenet. 
Tunc inquietum pectus ira protinus 

EbuUiebat fervida, 
Tumulis potentem sa3pe devovens deam : 

Nee vota Naso in Ibida 



542 STLYAEUM LIBEK. 

Concepit alto diriora pectore, 

Graiusque vates parcius 
Turpem Lycambis execratus est dolura, 

Sponsamque Neobulen suam. 
At ecce divas ipse diim fundo graves, 

Et imprecor neci necem, 
Audisse tales videor attonitus sonos 

Leni, sub aura, fiainine : 
" Csecos furores pone, pone vitream 

Bilemque et irritas minas, 
Quid temere violas non nocenda numina 

Subitoque ad iras percita? 
Non est, ut arbitraris elusus raiser, 

Mors atra Noctis filia, 
Erebove patre creta, sive Erinnye, 

Vastove nata sub Chao : 
Ast ilia coelo missa stellato, Dei 

Messes ubique colligit ; 
Animasque mole carnea reconditas 

In lucem et auras evocat ; 
Ut cum f ugaces excitant Horse diem 

Themidos Jovisque Him ; 
Et sempiterni ducit ad vultus patris ; 

At justa raptat impios 
Sub regna furvi luctuosa Tartari, 

Sedesque subterraneas." 
Hanc ut vocantem latus audivi, cito 

Foedum reliqui carcerera, 
Volatilesque faustus inter milites 

Ad astra sublimis feror : 
Yates ut olim raptus ad coelum senex 

Auriga currus ignei. 
Non me Bootis terruere lucidi 

Sarraca tarda f rigor e, aut 
Formidolosi Scorpionis brachia, 

Non ensis, Orion, tuus. 
Praetervolavi fulgidi solis globum, 

Longeque sub pedibus deam 
Vidi triformem, duni coercebat suog 

Fraenis dracones aureis. 



SYLVARUM LTBER. 643 

Erraticornm siderum per ordines, 

Per lacteas vehor plagas, 
Velocitatera saepe miratus novam, 

Donee nitentes ad fores 
Yentum est Olympi, et regiam crystallinain, et 

Stratum smaragdis atrium. 
Sed hie tacebo, nam quis effari queat 

Oriundus humano patre 
Amoenitates illius loci? Mihi 

Sat est in aeternum frui. 



NATURAM NOX PATI SEOTUM. 

Hetj quam perpetuis erroribus acta fatiscit 

Avia mens hominum, tenebrisque immersa profmidis 

^'Edipodioniam volvit sub pectore noctem ! 

Quae vesana suis metiri facta deornm 

Audet, et incisas leges adamante perenni 

Assimilare suis, nuUoque solubile sasclo 

Consilium fati perituris alligat lioris. 

Ergone marcescet sulcantibus obsita rugis 
Naturae facies, et rerum publica mater 
Omniparum contracta uterum sterilescet ab sevo ? 
Et se fassa senera, male certis passibus ibit 
Sidereum tremebunda caput? Num tetra vetus i« 
Annorumque seterna fames, squalorque situsque 
Sidera vexabunt? An et insatiabile Tempus 
Esuriet Coelum, rapietque in viscera patrem ? 
Heu, potuitne suas imprudens Jupiter arces 
Hoc contra munisse nefas, et Temporis isto 
Exemisse malo, gyrosque dedisse perennes? 
Ergo erit ut quandoque sono dilapsa tremendo 
Convexi tabulata ruant, atque obvius ictu 
Stridat uterque polus, superaque ut Olympius aulS 
Decidat, horribilisque retecta Gorgone Pallas ; 
Qualis in ^geani proles Junonia Lemnon 
Deturbata sacro cecidit de limine coeli ? 
Tu quoque, Phoebe, tui casus imitabere nati ; 



544 STLVARUAI LIBEE. 

Pra3cipiti curni, snbitaqne ferere ruin a 
Proniis, et extincta fumabit lampade Nereus, 
Et dabit attonito feralia sibila ponto. 
Tunc etiam aerei divulsis sedibus Haemi 
Dissultabit apex, imoque allisa barathro 
Terrebunt Styo-ium dejecta Ceraunia Ditem, 
In superos quibus iisus erat, fraternaque bella. 
At Pater omnipotens, fundatis fortius astris. 
Considuit reriim summfe, certoqiie peregit 
Pondere fatorum lances, atque ordine summo 
Singula perpetuum jnssit servare tenorem. 
Volvitur hinc lapsu mnndi rota prima diurno ; 
Raptat et ambitos socia vertigine coelos. 
Tardior baud solito Satiirnus, et acer ut olim 
Fulmineum rntilat cristata casside Mayors. 
Floridus aeterntim Phoebus juyenile coruscat, 
Nee foyet effcetas loca per decliyia terras 
Deyexo temone Deus ; sed semper amica 
Luce potens eadem currit per signa rotarum. 
Surgit odoratis pariter formosus ab Indis, 
^thereum pecus albenti qui cogit Olympo, 
Mane yocans, et serus agens in pascua coeli, 
Temporis et gemino dispertit regna colore. 
Fnlget, obitqiie yices alterno Delia cornii, 
Cagruleiimque ignem paribus complectitiir nlnis. 
Nee yariant elementa fidem, solitoque fragore 
Lurida perculsas jaculantur fulmina rupes. 
Nee per inane furit leviori murmure Corns, 
Stringit et armiferos aequali horrore Gelonos 
Trnx Aquilo, spiratque hyemem, nimbosque yolutat, 
Utque solet, Siculi diyerberat ima Pelori 
Rex maris, et rauca circumstrepit asquora conchd 
Oceani Tubicen, nee yasta mole minorem 
^geona ferunt dorso Balearica cete. 
Sed neque, Terra, tibi saecli yigor ille vetusti 
Priscus abest, servatque suum Narcissus odorem, 
Et puer ille suum tenet et puer ille decorem, 
Phoebe, tuusque, et, Cypri, tuus ; nee ditior olim 
Terra 'datum sceleri celavit montibus aurum 
Conscia, vel sub aquis gemmas. Sic denique in sevum 



SYLVARUM LIBER. 



545 



Ibit cunctarum series justissima rerum, 
Donee flamma orbem populabitur ultima, lat^ 
Circumplexa polos, et vasti culmina coeli ; 
Ingentique rogo flagrabit inachina mundi. 



DE IDEA PLATONICA QUEMADMODUM ARISTO- 
TELES INTELLEXIT. 

DiciTE, sacrorum praesides nemorum deae, 
Tuque, O noveui perbeata numinis 
Memoria mater, quaeque in immenso procul 
Antro recumbis otiosa ^ternitas, 
Monumenta servans, et ratas leges Jo vis, 
Coelique fastos atque ephemeridas Detim, 
Quis ille primus cujus ex imagine 
Natura solers finxit human um genus, 
uEternus, incorruptus, sequjBvus polo, 
Unusque et universus, exemplar Dei ? 
Hand ille Palladis gemellus innubae 
Interna proles insidet menti Jovis ; 
Sed quamlibet natura sit communior, 
Tamen seorstis extat ad morem unius, 
Et, mira, certo stringitur spatio loci ; 
Seu sempiternus ille siderum comes 
Cceli pererrat ordines decemplicis, 
Citimumve terris incolit lunae globum : 
Sive inter animas corpus adituras sedenf 
Obliviosas torpet ad Lethes aquas ; 
Sive in remota forte terrarum plaga 
Incedit ingens hominis arcbetypus gigas> 
Et diis tremendus erigit celsum caput 
Atlante major portitore siderum. 
Non cui profundum caecitas lumen dedit 
Dircaeus augur vidit hunc alto sinu ; 
Non hunc silente nocte Pleiones nepos 
Vatum sagaci praepes ostendit choro ; 
Non hunc sacerdos novit Assyrius, licet 
Longos vetusti commemoret atavos Nini, 
Priscumque Belon, inclytumque Otsiridem. 
35 



646 SYLVAKUM LIBER. 

Non ille trino gloriosus nomine 

Ter magnus Hermes (lit sit arcani sciens) 

Talem reliquit Isidis cultoribus. 

At tu, perenne ruris Academi decus 

(Haec monstra si tu primus induxti scholis). 

Jam jam poetas, urbis exules tuse, 

Revocabis, ipse tabulator maximus, 

Aut institutor ipse migrabis foras. 



AD PATREM. 

Nunc mea Pierios cupiam per pectora fontes 
Irriguas torquere vias, totumque per ora 
Yolvere laxatum gemino de vertice rivum; 
Ut tenues oblita sonos audacibus alis 
Surgat in officium venerandi Musa parentis. 
Hoc utcunque tibi gratum, pater optime, carmen 
Exiguum meditatur opus, nee novimus ipsi 
AptiCis a nobis quae possint munera donis 
Respondere tuis, quamvis nee maxima possint 
Respondere tuis, nedum ut par gratia donis 
Esse queat, vacuis quae redditur arida verbis. 
Sed tamen haec nostros ostendit pagina census, 
Et quod babemus opum charta numeravimus ist^, 
Quae mihi sunt nullae, nisi quas dedit aurea Clio, 
Quas mihi semoto somni peperere sub antro, 
Et nemoris laureta sacri Parnassides umbrae. 
Nee tu vatis opus divinum despice carmen, 
Qao nihil aethereos ortus, et semina cceli. 
Nil magis human am commendat origine mentem, 
Sancta Prometheae retinens vestigia flam mte. 
Carmen ament superi, tremebundaque Tartara cannon 
Ima ciere valet, divosque ligare profundos, 
Et triplici duros Manes adamante coercet. 
Carmine sepositi retegunt arcana futuri 
Phoebades, et tremulae pallentes ora Sibyllae ; 
Carmina sacrificus sollennes pangit ad aras, 
Aurea seu sternit motantem cornua taurum ; 
Seu ctim fata sagax fumantibus abdita fibris 



SYLVARUM LIBER. 547 

Cousulit, et tepidis Parcam scrutatur in extis. 
Kos etiara patrium tunc cum repetemus Olympum, 
JEternseque morae stabunt immobilis sevi, 
Ibimus auratis per coeli templa coronis, 
Dulcia suaviloquo sociantes carmina plectro, 
Astra quibus, geminique poll convexa sonabunt. 
Spiritus et rapiclos qui circinat igneus orbes, 
Nunc quoque sidereis intercinit ipse choreis 
Immortale melos, et inenarrabile carmen ; 
'^'orrida dum rutilus compescit sibila serpens, 
Demissoque ferox gladio mansuescit Orion ; 
Stellarum nee sentit onus Maurusius Atlas. 
Carmina regales ejDulas ornare solebant, 
*Cum nondum luxus, vastaeque immensa vorago 
Nota gulae, et modico spumabat coena Lyseo. 
Turn de more sedens festa ad convivia vates, 
^sculea intonsos redimitus ab arbore crines, 
Heroumque actus, imitandaque gesta canebat, 
Et chaos, et positi late fundamina mundi, 
Reptantesque deos, et alentes numina glandes, 
Et nondum ^tn£eo quaesitum f ulmen ab antro. 
Denique quid vocis modulamen inane juvabit, 
Verborum sensusque vacans, numerique loquacis ? 
Silvestres decet iste choros, non Orphea cantus, 
Qui tenuit fluvios et quercubus addidit aures 
Carmine, non cithara, simulachraque functa canendo 
Compulit in lacrymas ; habet has a carmine laudes. 

Nee tu perge, precor, sacras contemnere Musas, 
Nee vanas inopesque puta, quarum ipse peritus 
Munere, mille sonos nuraeros componis ad aptos, 
Millibus et vocem modulis variare canoram 
Doctus, Arionii merito sis nominis hseres. 
Nunc tibi quid mirum, si me genuisse poetara 
Contigerit, charo si tarn prope sanguine juncti 
Cognatas artes, studiuraque affine sequamur ? 
Ipse volens Phfebus se dispertire duobus, 
Altera dona mihi, dedit altera dona parenti, 
Dividuumque Deum genitorque puerque teneraus. 

Tu tamen ut simules teneras odisse Camoenas, 
Non odisse reor, neque enim, j)ater, ire jubebas 



548 SYL VARUM LIBER. 

Qua via lata patet, qua pronior area lucri, 
Certaque condendi fulget spes aurea numnii .' 
Nee rapis ad leges, male custoditaque gentis 
Jura, uec insulsis damnas clamoribus aures : 
Sed magis excultam cupiens ditescere mentem. 
Me procul urbano strepitu, secessibus altis 
Abductum, Aonio3 jucunda per otia ripse, 
Phoebaeo later! comitera sinis ire beatum. 
Officium chari taceo commune parentis. 
Me poscunt majora : tuo, pater optime, suinptu 
Ctim mihi Romuleae patuit facundia linsyuie, 
Et Latii veneres, et quae Jovis ora decebant 
Grandia magniloquis elata vocabula Graiis, 
Addere suasisti quos jactat Gallia flores, 
Et quam degeneri novus Italus ore loquelam 
Fundit, barbaricos testatus voce tumultus, 
Quaeque Pakestinus loquitur mysteria vates. 
Denique quicquid habet coelum, subjectaque coelo 
Terra parens, terrseque et coelo interfluus aer, 
Quicquid et unda tegit, pontique agitabile marmor, 
Per te nosse licet, per te, si nosse libebit. 
Dimotaque venit spectanda scientia nube, 
Nudaque conspicuos inclinat ad oscula vultus, 
Ni fugisse velim, ni sit libasse molestum. 

I nunc, confer opes, quisquis malesanus avitas 
Austriaci gazas, Periianaque regna, praeoptas. 
Quae potuit majora pater tribuisse, vel ipse 
Jupiter, excepto, donasset ut omnia, caelo? 
Non potiora dedit, quamvis et tuta fuissent, 
Publica qui juveni coniTnisit lumina nato 
Atque Hyperionios currus, et frasna diei, 
Et circum undantem radiata luce tiaram. 
Ergo ego jam doctae pars quamlibet ima catervae 
Victrices hederas inter, laurosque sedebo, 
Jamque nee obscurus populo miscebor inerti, 
Vitabuntque oculos vestigia nostra profanos. 
Este procul vigiles curae, procul este querelae, 
Invidiaeque acies transverso tortilis hirquo, 
Saeva nee anguiferos extende calumnia rictus; 
In me triste nihil faedissima turba potestis, 



SYLVAEUM LIBER. 649 

Nec vestri sum juris ego ; securaque tutus 
Pectora, vipereo gradiar sublimis ab ictu. 

At tibi, chare }3ater, postquam non sequa merenti 
Posse referre clatur, nec dona rependere factis, 
Sit memorasse satis, repetitaque munera grato 
Percensere animo, fidaeque reponere menti. 

Et vos, O nostri, juvenilia carmina, lusus, 
Si modo perpetuos sperare audebitis annos, 
Et domini superesse rogo, lucemque tueri, 
Nec spisso rapient oblivia nigra sub Oreo, 
Forsitan has laudes, decantatumque parentis 
2^omen, ad exemplum, sero servabitis aBvo. 



AD SALSILLUM, POETAM ROMANUM, ^GRO- 
TANTEM. 

SCAZONTES. 

O MusA gressum quas volens trahis claudum, 
Vulcanioque tarda gaudes incessu, 
Nec sentis ilhid in loco minus gratum, 
Quam ctim decentes flava Deiope suras 
Alternat aureum ante Junonis lectum, 
Adesdum et haec s' is verba pauca Salsillo 
Refer, Camoena nostra cui tantum est cordi, 
Quamque ille magnis praetulit immerito divis. 
Haec ergo alumnus ille Londini Milto, 
X)iebus hisce qui suum linquens nidum 
Polique tractum (pessimus ubi ventorum, 
Insanientis impotensque pulmonis, 
Pernix anhela sub Jove exercet flabra), 
Venit feraces Itali soli ad glebas. 
Visum superba cognitas urbes fama 
Yirosque doctaeque indolem juventutis. 
Tibi optat idem hie fausta multa Salsille, 
Habitumque fesso corpori penittis sanum ; 
Cui nunc profunda bilis infestat renes, 
Praecordiisque fixa damnosum spirat. 
Nec id pepercit impia quod tu Romano 
Tarn cultus ore Lesbium condis melos. 



550 SYLVAEUM LIBER. 

O dulce divflm munus, O Salus, Hebes 
Germ ana ! Tuque Phoebe morborum terror, 
Pythone c^so, sive tu niagis Pasan 
Libenter audis, liic tuus sacerdos est. 
Querceta Fauni, vosque rore vinoso 
Colles benigni, mitis Evandri sedes, 
Siquid salubre vallibus frond et vestris, 
Levamen segro ferte certatim vati. 
Sic ille charis redditus rurstim Musis 
Yicina dulci prata mulcebit cantu. 
Ipse inter atros emirabitur lucos 
Numa, ubi beatum degit otium seternura, 
Suam reclinis semper ^geriam spectans. 
Tumidusque et ipse Tibris, hinc delinitus, 
Spei favebit annuce colonorum: 
Nee in sepulchris ibit obsessum reges 
Nimitim sinistro laxus irruens loro : 
Sed fraena melius temperabit undarum, 
Adusque curvi salsa regna Portumni. 



MANUS. 



Joannes Baptista Mansus Marchio Yillensis, vir in.c^enii lande, turn lit- 
terarum studio, nee non et bellica virtute, apud Italos clarus in primia 
est. Ad quern Torquati Tassi Dialogus extat de Araicitia scriptus; erat 
eniniTassi amieissinuis; ab quo etiam iutev Campanise principes cele- 
bratur, in illo poemate cui titulus Gerusaleinme Couquistata, lib. 20 — 

" Fra cavalier magnanimi, 6 cortesi 
Risplende il Manso" — 
is authorem Neapoli commorautem sumnia benevolentia prosecutus est, 
multaque ei detulit hunianitatis officia. Ad liunc itaque hospes ille au- 
tequam ab ea urbe discederet, ut ue ingratuni se osteuderet, hoc carmei 
misit. 

H^c quoque, Manse, tuse meditantur carmina laudi 
Pierides, tibi, Manse, choro notissime Phcebi, 
Quandoquidem ille alium baud aequo est dignatus honore^ 
Post Galli cineres, et Mecaenatis Hetrusci. 
Tu quoque, si nostrae tantum valet aura Camoenae, 
Victrices bederas inter, laurosque sedebis. 
Te pridem magno felix concordia Tasso 
Junxit, et feternis inscripsit nomina chartis ; 



SYLVAKUM LIBER. 551 

Mox tibi dulciloquiim non inscia Musa Marinum 

Tradidit, ille tuum dici se gaudet alumnum, 

Diim oanit Assyrios divilm prolixus amores ; 

Mollis et Ausonias stupefecit carmine nymphas. 

lUe itidem moriens tibi soli debita vates 

Ossa, tibi soli, supremaque vota reliquit : 

Nee manes pietas tua chara fefellit amici, 

Vidimus arridentem operoso ex sere poetam. 

Nee satis hoc visum est in utrumque, et nee pia cessant 

Officia ii tumulo, cupis integros rapere Oreo, 

Qua potes, atque avidas Parcarum eludere leges : 

Amborum genus, et varia sub forte peractam 

Describis vitam, moresque, et dona MinervaB ; 

^mulus illius Mycalen qui natus ad altam 

Rettulit ^olii vitam facundus Homeri. 

Ergo ego te, Clitis et raagni nomine Phoebi, 

Manse pater, jubeo longum salvere per aevum 

Missus Hyperboreo juvenis peregrinus ab axe. 

Nee tu longinquam bonus aspernabare Musam, 

Qu8e nuper gelida vix enutrita sub Ai'cto 

Imprudens Italas ansa est volitare per urbes. 

Nos ctiam in nostro modulantes flumine cygnos 

Credimus obscuras noctis sensisse per umbras. 

Qua Thamesis late puris argenteus urnis 

Oceani glaucos perfundit gurgite crines : 

Quin et in has quondam pervenit Tityrus oras. 

Sed neque nos genus incultum, nee inutile Phoebo, 
Qua plaga septeno mundi sulcata Trione 
Brumalem patitur longa sub nocte Booten. 
Nos etiara colimus Phoebum, nos munera Phoebo 
Flaventes spicas, et lutea mala canistris, 
Halantemque crocum (perhibet nisi vana vetustas) 
Misimus, et lectas Druidum de gente choreas. 
(Gens Druides antiqua sacris operata deorum 
Heroum laudes imitandaque gesta canebant) 
Hinc quoties festo cingunt altaria cantu, 
Delo in herbosa, Graioe de more puellaa, 
Carminibus laetis memorant Corineida Loxo, 
Fatidicamque Upin, cum flavicoma Hecaerge, 
Nuda Caledonio variatas pectora fuco. 



652 SYLVARUM lalHER. 

Fortunate senex, ergo, quacunque per orbem 
Torquati decus, et nonien celebrabitur ingens, 
Claraque perpetui succrescet fama Marini, 
Tu quoque in ora frequens venies plausumque virorum, 
Et parili carpes iter immortale volatu. 
Dicetur turn sponte tuos habitasse penates 
Cynthius, et faraulas venisse ad limina Musas; 
At non sponte domum tamen idem, et regis adivit 
Rura Pheretiadae coelo fugitivus Apollo ; 
Ille licet magnum Alciden susceperat hospes ; 
Tantum ubi clamosos placuit vitare bubulcos, 
Mobile mansueti cessit Chironis in antrum, 
Irriguos inter saltus, frondosaque tecta, 
Peneium prope rivum : ibi saepe sub ilice nigr^, 
Ad citharee strepitum, bland a prece victus amici 
Exilii duros lenibat voce labores. 
Turn neque ripa suo, barathro nee fixa sub imo 
Saxa stetere loco, nutat Trachinia rupes, 
Nee sentit solitas, immania pondera, silvas, 
Emot^eque suis properant de collibus orni, 
3Iulcenturque novo maculosi carmine lynces. 

Diis dilecte senex, te Jupiter fequus oportet 
Nascentem, et miti lustrarit luraine Phoebus, 
Atlantisque nepos ; neque enim nisi charus ab orta " 
Diis superis poterit magno favisse poetse. 
Hinc longaeva tibi lento sub flore senectus 
Vernat, et ^sonios lucratur vivid a fusos, 
Nondum deciduos servans tibi frontis honores, 
Ingeniumque vigens, et adultum mentis acumen. 
O mihi si mea sors talem concedat amicum, 
Phoebseos decorasse viros qui tam bene norit, 
Si quando indigenas revocabo in carmina reges, 
Arturumque etiam sub terris bella moventem ; 
Aut dicam invictse sociali foedere mensse 
Magnanimos heroas, et (O modo spiritus adsit !) 
Frangam Saxonicas Britonum sub Marte phalanges. 
Tandem ubi non tacitae permensus tempera vitsB, 
Annorumque satur, cineri sua jura relinquam, 
Ille mihi lecto madid is astaret ocellis, 
Astanti sat erit si dicam sira tibi curae ; 



SYLVARUM LIBER. 553 

Ille meos artus, liventi morte solutos, 
Oiiraret parva coniponi molliter urna. 
Forsitan et nostros ducat de marmore vultus, 
Nectens aut Paphia myrti aut Parnasside lauri 
Fronde comas, at ego secura pace quiescam. 
Turn quoque, si qua fides, si praemia certa bonorum, 
Ipse ego ccelicolum semotus in setliera divtim, 
Quo labor et mens pura A^ehunt, atque ignea virtus, 
Secreti haec aliqua mundi de parte videbo 
(Quantum fata sinunt) : et tota mente serentm 
Ridens purpureo suffundar lumine vultus, 
Et simul setliereo plaudam mihi l^etus Olympo. 



EPITAPHIUM DAMONIS. 

AEGUMENTUM. 

Tliyrsis et Damon ejusdem vicinise pastores, eadem studia sequuti & 
pueritia amici eraiit, ut qui pliirimum. Tliyrsis aiiimi causa profectus 
peregre de obita Damonis nuucium accepit. Domum postea reversus, 
€t rem ita esse comperto, se suamque solitudinem hoc carmine deplorat. 
Damonis autem sub persona hie iutelhgitur Cakolus Deodatus ex urbe 
Hetruriffi Luca paterno genere oriuudus, ctetera Anglus; ingenio, doc- 
trina, clarissimisque cseteris virtutibus, dumviveret, juvenis egregius. 

HiMERiDES nymphse (nam vos et Daphnin et Hylan, 
Et plorata diu meministis fata Bionis) 
Dicite Sicelicum Thamesina per oppida carmen : 
Quas miser effudit voces, qua3 murmura Thyrsis, 
Et quibus assiduis exercuit antra querelis, 
Fluminaque, fontesque vagos, nemorumque recessus, 
Dum sibi praereptum queritur Damon a, neque altam 
Luctibus exemit noctem loca sola pererrans. 
Et jam bis viridi surgebat culmus arista, 
Et totidem flavas numerabant horrea messes. 
Ex quo summa dies tulerat Damona sub umbras, 
Nee dum aderat Thyrsis ; pastorem scilicet ilium 
Dulcis amor Musae Thusca retinebat in urbe. 
Ast ubi mens expleta domum, pecorisque relicti 
Oura vocat, simul assueta seditque sub ulmo. 
Turn vero amissum tum denique sentit amicum, 
OcBpit etimmensum sic exonerare dolorem. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 



554 SYLVAEUM LIBER. 

Hei mihi ! qufe terris, quae dicam iiumina coelo, 
Postquam te immiti rajDuerunt funere, Damon ! 
Siccine nos linquis, tua sic sine nomine virtus 
Ibit, et obscuris niimero sociabitur umbris ? 
At non ille, animas virga qui dividit aurea, 
Ista velit, dignumque tui te ducat in agmen, 
Ignavumque procul pecus arceat omne silentum. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, f.gni, 
Quicquid erit, certe, nisi me lu23us antd videbit, 
Indeplorato non comminuere sepulchro, 
Constabitque tuus tibi honos, longumque vigebit 
Inter pastores : illi tibi vota secundo 
Solvere post Daphnin, post Daphnin dicere laudes 
Gaudebunt, dum rura Pales, dum Faun us aniabit ; 
Si quid id est, priscamque fidem coluisse, pidmque, 
Palladiasque artes, sociumque habuisse canorum. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Haec tibi certa manent, tibi erunt haec praemia, Damon, 
At mihi quid tandem fiet modo ? quis mihi fidus 
HsBrebit lateri comes, ut tu saej^e solebas 
Frigoribus duris, et per loca foeta pruinis, 
Aut rapido sub sole, siti morientibus herbis ; 
Sive opus in magnos fuit emintis ire leones, 
Aut avidos terrere lupos prgesepibus altis, 
Quis fando sopire diem, cantuque solebit ? 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Pectora cui credam ? quis me lenire docebit 
Mordaces curas, quis longam fallere noctem 
Dulcibus alloquiis, grato cum sibilat igni 
Molle pyrum, et nucibus strepitat focus, et mains auster 
Miscet cuncta foris, et desuper intonat ulmo ? 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Aut aestate, dies medio dum vertitur axe, 
Cum Pan aesculea somnum capit abditus umbra, 
Et repetunt sub aquis sibi nota sedilia nymj^hae, 
Pastoresque latent, stertit sub sepe colonus, 
Quis mihi blanditiasque tuas, quis tum mihi risus, 
Cecropiosque sales referet, cultosque lepores ? 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
At jam solus agros, jam pascua solas oberro, 



SYI>VARUM LIBKii 555 

Siciibi ramosae densantur vallibus umbrae, 

Hie serum expecto, supra caput imber et Euriis 

Triste sonant, fractaeque agitata crepuscula sylvae. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Hen, quam culta mihi prius arva procacibus herbis 
luYolvuntur, et ipsa situ seges alta fatiscit! 
Innuba neglecto marcescit et uva recemo, 
Nee myrteta juvant; ovium quoque tsedet, at illas 
Moerent, in que suum convertunt ora magistrum. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vaeat, agni. 
Tityrus ad eorylos voeat, Alphesiboeus ad ornos, 
Ad saliees ^gon, ad flumina puleher Amyntas, 
*' Hie gelidi fontes, hie illita gramina museo, 
Hie Zepliyri, hie pLaeidas interstrepit arbutus undas ; " 
Ista canunt surdo, frutiees ego naetus abibam. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vaeat, agni. 
Mopsus ad haee, nam me redeuntem forte notarat 
(Et callebat avium linguas, et sidera Mopsus), 
" Thyrsi quid hoe?" dixit, " quae te eoquil improbabilis? 
Aut te perdit amor, aut te male faseinat astrum, 
Saturni grave saepe fuit pastoribus astrum, 
Intimaque oblique figit priBeordia plumbo." 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vaeat, agni. 
Mirantur nym})hae, et " quid te. Thyrsi, futurum est ? 
Quid tibi vis ?" aiunt, " non haee solet esse juventfe 
Nubila frons, oculique truees, vultusque severi. 
Ilia ehoros, lususque leves, et semper amorem 
Jure petit, bis ille miser qui serus amavit." 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vaeat, agni. 
Venit Hyas, Dryopeque, et filia Baueidis ^gle, 
Docta modes, eithar^eque sciens, sed perdita fastu, 
Venit Idumanii Chloris vieina fluenti ; 
Nil me bland itiae, nil me solantia verba. 
Nil me, si quid adest, movet, aut spes ulla futuri. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vaeat, agni. 
Hei mihi, quam similes ludunt per prata juvenei. 
Omnes unanimi seeum sibi lege sodales I 
Nee magis hune alio quisquam seeernit amieum 
De grege, sie densi veniunt ad pabula thoes, 
Inque vieem hirsuti paribus junguntur onagri ; 



556 SYLVAKUM LIBER. 

Lex eadem pelagi, deserto in littore Proteus 
Agmina phocarum numerat, vilisque volucriun 
Passer liabet semper quicuni sit, et omnia circuiii 
Parra libens volitet, sero sua tecta revisens, 
Quern si sors letho objecit, seu milvus adunco 
Fata talit rosero, seu stravit arundine fossor, 
Protinus ille alium socio petit inde volatu. 
Nos durum genus, et diris exercita fatis 
Gens liomines aliena animis, et pectore discors, 
Vix sibi quisque parem de millibus invenit unum, 
Aut si sors dederit tandem non aspera votis, 
Ilium inopina dies, qua non speraveris hora, 
Surripit, aiternum linquens in ssecula damnum. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agii 
Heu quis me ignotas traxit vagus error in oras 
Ire per aereas rupes, Alpemque nivosam ! 
Ecquid erat tanti Romam vidisse sepultam 
(Quamvis ilia foret, qualem dum viseret olim, 
Tityrus ipse suas et oves et rura reliquit) ; 
Ut te tarn dnloi possem caruisse sodale, 
Possem tot maria alta, tot interponere montes, 
Tot sylvas, tot saxa tibi, fluviosque sonantes ! 
Ah certe extremtim licuisset tangere dextram^ 
Et bene com])ositos placide morientis ocellos, 
Et dixisse, " Vale, nostri memor ibis ad astra." 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Quamquam etiam vestri nunquam meminisse pigebit, 
Pastores Tlnisci, Musis operata juventus, 
Hie Charis, atque Lepos ; et Thuscus tu quoque, Damon, 
Antiqua genus unde petis Lucumonis ab urbe. 
O ego quantus eram, gelidi cum stratus ad Arni 
Murmura, populeumque nemus, qua mollior herba, 
Carpere nunc violas, nunc summas carpere myrtos. 
Et potui Lycidae certantem audire Mena-lcam ! 
Ipse etiam tentare ausus sum, nee puto multtim 
Disj^licui, nam sunt et apud me munera vestra 
Fiscellae, calathique, et cerea vincla cicutae : 
Qmn et nostra suas docuerunt nomina fagos 
Et Datis, et Francinus, erant et vocibus ambo 
Et studiis notij Lydorum sanguinis ambo. 



SYLVARUM LIBEK. 557 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agai. 
Hrec mihi turn laeto dictabat roscida liiiia', 
Dum solus teneros claudebam cratibus haedos. 
Ah quoties dixi, ctira te cinis ater habebat, 
Nunc canit, aut lepori nunc tendit retia Damon, 
Vimina nunc texit, varios sibi quod sit in usus ! 
Et quae tum facili sperabam mente futura 
Arripui voto levis, et praesentia finxi : 
" Heus bone numquid agis ? nisi te quid forte retardat, 
Imus ? et arguta paultim recubamus in umbra, 
Aut ad aquas Colni, aut ubi jugera Cassibelauni ? 
Tu mihi percurres medicos, tua gramina, succos, 
Hellebor^imque, humilesque, crocos, folitimque, hyacinthii 
Quasque habet ista palus herbas, artesque medenttim." 
Ah pereant herbas, pereant artesque medentdm, 
Gramina, postquara ipsi nil profecere magistro. 
Ipse etiam, nam nescio quid mihi grande sonabat 
Fistula, ab undecima jam lux est altera nocte, 
Et tum forte novis admoram labra cicutis, , 

Dissiluere tamen rupta compage, nee ultra 
Ferre graves potuere sonos ; dubito quoque ne sim 
Turgidulus, tamen et referam ; vos cedite, sylvae. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Ipse ego Dardanias Rutupina per aequora puppes 
Dicam, et Pandrasidos regnum vetus Inogeniae, 
BrennAmque Arvigariimque duces, prisctimque Belimum, 
Et tandem Armoricos Bfitonum sub lege colonos ; 
Tum gravidam Arturo fatali fraude logernen, 
Mendaces vultus, assumptaque Gorlois arma, 
Merlini dolus. O mihi tum si vita supersit, 
Tu procul annosa pendebis fistula pinu 
Multlim oblita mihi, aut patriis mutata Camoenis 
Brittonicum strides, quid enim? omnia non licet uni ; 
Non sperasse uni licet omnia ; mi satis ampla, 
Merces, et mihi grande decus (sim ignotus in aevum 
Tum licet, externo penitusque inglorius orbi) 
Si me flava comas legat Usa, et potor Alauni, 
Vorticibusque frequens Abra, et nemus omne Treantae, 
Et Thamesis mens ante omnes, et fusca metallis 
Tamara, et extremis me discant Orcades undis. 



558 SYLVARUM LIBER. 

Ite domum impasti, domino jam non vacat, agni. 
Ha3C tibi servabam lent a sub cortice lauri, 
Haec, et plura simul, tum quro raihi pocula Mansus, 
Mansus ChalcidicaB non ultima gloria ripge, 
Bina dedit, mirum artis opus, mirandus et ipse, 
Et circum gemino caelaverat argumento : 
In medio rubii maris unda, et odoriferura ver, 
Littora longa Arabum, et sudantes balsama sylvse, 
Has inter Phoenix divina avis, unica terris, 
Gaeruletim fulg-ens diversicoloribus alis 
Auroram vitreis surgentem respicit undis. 
Parte alia polus omnipatens, et magnus Olympus, 
Quis putet ? hie quoque Amor, pictseque in nube phareti'se, 
Arma corusca faces, et spicula tincta pyropo ; 
Nee tenues animas, pectiisque ignobile vulgi 
Hinc ferit, at circtim flammantia lumina torquens 
Semper in erectum spargit sua tela per orbes 
Impiger, et pronos nunquam collimat ad ictus, 
Hinc mentes ardere sacrse, formseque deoruni. 

Tu quoque in his, nee me fallit spec lubrica, Damon, 
Tu quoque in his certe es, nam quo tua duleis abiret 
Sanctaque simplicitas, nam quo tua Candida virtus? 
Nee te Lethneo fas qu?esivisse sub orco. 
Nee tibi conveniunt lacrymse, nee flebimus ultra, 
Ite procul lacrynife, pur urn colit aethera Damon, 
yEthera purus habet, pluvium ]:\fde reppulit arcum ; 
Herolimque animas inter, divosque perennes, 
^thereos haurit latices, et gaudia potat 
Ore sacro. Quin tu cceli post jura recepta 
Dexter ades, placidtisque fave quicunque vocaris, 
Seu tu noster eris Damon, sive aequior audis 
Diodotus, quo te divino nomine cuncti 
Coelicolag norint, sylvisque vocabere Damon. 
Quod tibi purpureus pudor, et sine labe juventut- 
Grata fuit, quod nulla tori libata voluptas, 
En etiam tibi virginei servantur honores ; 
Ipse caput nitidum cinctus rutilante corona, 
Lretaque frondentis gestans umbracula palmae 
Sternum perages immortales hymengeos ; 
Cantus ubi, choreisque furit lyra mista beatis, 
Festa Sionaeo bacchantur et Orgia thyrso. 



SYLVAKUM LlHEli. 559 

January 23, 1646. 

AD JOANNEM ROUSIUM OXONIENSIS ACADEMIC 
BIBLIOTHECARIUM. 

De libro Poemafcum amisso, qneni ille sibi denuomitti postulabat, 
ut cum aliis nostris in Bibliotheca publica repoueret, odo. 

Steophe I. 

Gemelle ciiltu simplici gaudens liber, 

Fronde licet gemina, 

Mimditieque niteiis non operosa, 

Quam man us attulit 

Juvenilis olim, 

Sedula tamen baud nimii poetas; 

Dum vagus Ausonias nunc per umbras, 

Nunc Britannica per vireta lusit 

Insons populi, barbitoque devius 

Indulsit patrio, mox itidem pectine Daunio 

Longinquum iixtonuit melos 

Vicinis, et humum vix tetigit pede ; 

Antistkophe. 

Quis te parve liber, quis te fratribus 

Subduxit reliquis dolo ? 

Cum tu missus ab urbe, 

Docto jugiter obsecrante amico, 

Illustre tendebas iter 

Thamesis ad incunabula 

Caerulei patris, 

Fontes ubi limpidi 

Aonidum, thyasusque sacer 

Orbi notus per immensos 

Temporum lapsus redeunte ccelo, 

Celeberque futurus in sevum ? 

Stkophe II. 

Mod 6 quis deus, aut editus deo 
Pristinam gentis raiseratus indolera 
(Si sa/;is noxas luimus priores, 



660 SYLVARUM LIBER. 

Mollique liixu degener otium), 

Tollat nefandos civiiim tiiraultus, 

Almaque revocet studia sanctus, 

Et relegatas sine sede Musas 

Jam pene totis finibus Angligenumj 

Immundasque volucres 

Unguibus imminentes 

Figat Apollinea pharetra, 

Phineamque abigat pestem procul amne Pegas6o f 

Antistrophb. 

Quin tu, libelle, nuntii licet mal^ 

Fide, vel oscitantia, 

Semel erraveris agmine fratrum, 

Sen quis te teneat specus, 

Seu qua te latebra, forsan unde vili 

Callo tereris institoris insulsi, 

Laetare felix, en iteriim tibi 

Spes nova fulget posse profundam 

Fugere Lethen, vehique superam 

In Jovis aulam remige penna; 

Strophe III. 

Nam te Roiisiiis sui 

Optat peculi, numeroque juste 

Sibi pollicitura queritur abesse, 

Rogatque venias ille cujus inclyta 

Sunt data virdm monumenta cursB : 

Teque adytis etiam saci'is 

Voluit reponi, quibus et ipse praesidet 

^ternorum operum custos fidelis; 

Quaestorque gazse robilioris, 

Quam cui prjefuit Ion, 

Clarus Erechtheides, 

Opulenta dei per templa parentis, 

Fulvosque tripodas, donaque Delphica, 

Ion Actaea genitus Creusa. 



sylvaeum libeb. 661 

Antistrophe. 

Ergo tu visere lucos 

Musarum ibis aracenos, 

Diamque Phoebi rursus ibis in domain, 

Oxonia qiiam valle colit, 

Delo posthabita, 

Bifidoque Parnassi jugo : 

Ibis honestus, 

Postquam egregiam tu quoqne sortem 

Nactiis abis, dextri prece sollicitatus amici. 

Illic legeris inter alta nomina 

Authorum, Graise simul et Latinge 

Antiqua gentis lumina, et verum decus. 

Epodos. 

Vos tandem baud vacui mei labores, 

Qmcquid hoc sterile fudit ingenium, 

Jam sero placidara sperare jubeo 

Perfunctam invidia requiem, sedesque beatas, 

Quas bonus Hermes 

Et tutela dabit solers Rousi, [longd 

Quo neque lingua procax vulgi penetrabit, atque 

Turba legentum prava facesset; 

At ultimi nepotes, 

Et cordatior aetas, 

Judicia rebus aequiora forsitan 

Adhibebit integro sinu. 

Turn, livore sepulto. 

Si quid meremur sana posteritas sciet, 

Roiisio favente. 



Ode tribus constat Strophis, totid^mque Antistrophis, un^ deranm 
Epodo clausis, quas, tametsi omnes nee versuum numero, nee certis 
abique colis exacte respoudeant, ita tamen secuiaius, commode legendi 
potius, quam ad antiques concineudi modos, rationem spectantes. 
Alioquin hoc genus rectius fortasse dici monostroplucum debuerat. 
Metra partim sunt Kara a-xea-Lv, partim dn-oAeAvju.e^'a. Plialeucia quae sunt, 
spondseum tertio loco bis adinittunt, quod idem in secundo loco Catullua 
ad libitum fecit. 

86 



662 STLVARUM LIBEK. 

AD CHRISTINAM SUECORUM REGINAM NOmiSTE 
CROMWELLI. 

Bellipotens virgo, septem regina trionum, 

Christina, Arctoii lucida stella poli ! 
Cernis quas merui dura sub casside rugas, 

Utque senex armis impiger ora tero ; 
Invia fatorum dum per vestigia nitor, 

Exequor et populi fortia jussa manu. 
Ast tibi submittit frontem reverentior umbra ; 

Nee sunt hi vultus regibus usque truces. 



TSJ «KD. 



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